Data Centers Make Wisconsin The Wild West Of Energy, Advocates Say

Wisconsinites voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of hyperscale data centers during a virtual town hall hosted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin. Participants, including residents from Milwaukee and Green Bay, expressed concerns that the rapid, unregulated growth of data centers across the state is escalating energy costs for residents, straining water supplies, and exacerbating climate change through increased electricity demand. Kat Klawes, Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s climate policy coordinator, criticized the state's lack of a comprehensive, statewide plan for data center development, highlighting that projects are approved on a case-by-case basis. This leaves local towns at a disadvantage when dealing with large corporations. Keviea Guiden from Milwaukee emphasized the burden on families already struggling with utility bills, fearing that data center expansion will further inflate energy costs. Green Bay resident Arden Kozlow likened the issue to the fight against oil pipelines, noting the environmental impact of increased electricity generation. Attendees suggested statewide solutions, including capping utility rates at 2% of household income to encourage renewable energy investment. They also supported proposed legislation by Democratic lawmakers, such as State Rep. Angelito Tenorio (D-West Allis), which sought a moratorium on data center construction until environmental and economic questions could be addressed. However, the Wisconsin Legislature adjourned for the year without passing these bills, leaving local government approvals as the primary avenue for residents to resist data center developments.