Milwaukee city leaders discuss one-year pause on data centers
A Milwaukee Common Council committee approved a proposal to pause new data center construction and expansions in the city for one year or until new zoning regulations are adopted. The full council is expected to vote on the pause on Oct. 13, while city leaders develop rules addressing potential noise, air, water and energy impacts.
A Milwaukee Common Council committee advanced a proposed one-year pause on new data center construction and expansions within the city. The pause would remain in effect for one year or until the city adopts new zoning regulations for data centers, which Milwaukee currently lacks.
City leaders said the additional time is needed to study the developments' potential effects, including noise, air quality, water consumption and energy use, and to determine what the city can regulate. The full Milwaukee Common Council is expected to consider the proposal at its Oct. 13 meeting, with officials aiming to present permanent data center regulations for a vote by the end of the year.