Data center policy key part of Wisconsin governor's race
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany differ over how data centers should be powered, with Crowley favoring 100% renewable energy and Tiffany opposing that requirement. The candidates also disagree over subsidies, disclosure agreements and whether to pause data center development while environmental reviews are completed.
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany have converged on some data center policies but remain divided over energy. Crowley supports requiring data centers to use 100% renewable power, while Tiffany argues that doing so would consume large amounts of farmland, raise electricity costs and increase food prices. Crowley countered that Tiffany’s support for coal would harm the environment.
The candidates also discussed nondisclosure agreements, tax subsidies and a potential pause on data center development pending an environmental review. Crowley has backed such a pause, likely referring to a statewide review connected to a settlement with Vantage in Port Washington, while Tiffany opposes subsidies and Crowley recently adopted the same position. Wisconsin has no statewide moratorium, although Milwaukee and other local governments have imposed moratoriums on new projects.