Shawano County leaders to consider data center moratorium
Shawano County leaders are considering a proposed moratorium on data center development within unincorporated towns of the county. The Planning and Development Committee recommended the moratorium after public comment and it will now go before the full county board. This measure is a precaution to allow the county time to study potential impacts and adjust ordinances.
The Shawano County Planning and Development Committee has voted to recommend a proposed moratorium on data center projects to the full county board. The moratorium would temporarily halt the acceptance, processing, and approval of any applications for data center siting, construction, or expansion in unincorporated towns within the county that have adopted county zoning.
The committee's decision followed nearly 90 minutes of public comment, during which residents expressed concerns ranging from economic impacts to health issues. Committee Chair Kathy Luebke indicated confidence that the full county board would support the recommendation.
Officials stated the measure is a precaution, designed to give the county time to study and evaluate potential impacts of data centers and determine if existing ordinances or regulations need changes. The Planning and Development Department has not yet received any inquiries about permitting data centers in the covered areas. The proposal is scheduled for consideration at the June 24 Shawano County board meeting.