Dodge committee passes moratorium on data centers
The Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Committee passed an 18-month moratorium on data center development, which will now proceed to the Dodge County Board of Supervisors for final approval. This decision follows significant public opposition and concerns from residents about environmental impacts, including groundwater issues, near Meta's ongoing data center construction in Beaver Dam.
The Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Committee approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center development during its Monday night meeting, following a public hearing. The proposed moratorium, which includes a new definition for data centers, is now set to go before the full Dodge County Board of Supervisors for final approval at their meeting on Tuesday, August 18.
The decision comes amidst strong community opposition, particularly from residents in Beaver Dam where Meta is constructing a $1 billion AI-optimized data center. Residents like Maily Kocinski expressed concerns about environmental impacts, including changes in groundwater, noise, and undrinkable well water, stating that Meta has not been responsive to their inquiries. Another Beaver Dam resident noted their family farm relies on purchased water for drinking due to the data center's proximity.
Dodge County Supervisor Jody Steger indicated that the majority of public feedback he has received opposes data centers, citing concerns about property values and environmental issues. Supervisor Cathy Houchin, who initially proposed a three-year study, saw it reduced to 18 months, emphasizing the unknown full impact of the Beaver Dam facility since it is not yet operational. Dodge County Senior Land Use Specialist Terry Ochs acknowledged the productive nature of the meeting, stating the 18-month period would allow the county to "thread the needle" and address public concerns.