Oshkosh weighs moratorium on new data centers
The City of Oshkosh is considering a 12-month moratorium on new data centers due to resident concerns about water consumption and land use. The proposed pause would target buildings primarily used for data storage. The Common Council is expected to discuss a resolution regarding data centers at its July 14 meeting.
The City of Oshkosh is contemplating a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction, mirroring a similar initiative in neighboring Winnebago County. The move comes as residents express increasing concerns over the environmental impact of data centers, particularly their water consumption and land use.
Common Council Member Joe Stephenson confirmed that city staff would be tasked with drafting a moratorium resolution. He clarified that the proposed ban would specifically target facilities whose primary function is data storage, ensuring that businesses with smaller server rooms would not be affected. Stephenson also debunked rumors about the Oshkosh City Center being converted into a data center, stating it would be a "very bad use for this building."
The community remains divided on the issue. While some, like high schooler Luke Sweet Jr., highlight the benefits of artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, others, such as resident Caprice Swanks, emphasize the need to protect the city's clean water reputation, advocating for more sustainable AI technologies before widespread data center adoption.
The Oshkosh Common Council is scheduled to further discuss a data center resolution during its meeting on July 14.