Menomonie, Wisconsin, to release new data center zoning requirements after public outcry
Officials in Menomonie, Wisconsin, are set to release new zoning requirements for a proposed 320-acre data center project following significant public outcry. The "I-4 ordinance" will create guidelines for data centers in the city, addressing concerns about secrecy and development. This comes after strong opposition at public meetings.
Officials in Menomonie, Wisconsin, are preparing to release new zoning requirements for a proposed 320-acre data center project. This action comes after significant public outcry and opposition at public meetings, where residents expressed concerns about the project's secrecy and the city's use of nondisclosure agreements.
Mayor Matthew Crowe confirmed that the city, located in Dunn County, will soon release a draft of the "I-4 ordinance." This potential zoning change is designed to establish specific guidelines for data centers within the city, tied to existing industrial zoning regulations.
Separately, the article notes that some tech companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, are exploring the concept of "orbital data centers" to bypass community opposition for ground-based facilities. However, these plans face their own challenges, with scientists and environmental groups petitioning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over concerns that such an undertaking could have catastrophic atmospheric impacts.