Green County Committee Recommends One-Year Data Center Moratorium After Public Hearing
The Green County Land Use and Zoning Committee in Wisconsin unanimously recommended the county board adopt a one-year moratorium on data center proposals. This decision followed a public hearing where a large crowd of residents voiced concerns primarily about the massive water and electricity demands of data centers, as well as environmental impacts, noise, and property value depreciation. The county board is expected to vote on the moratorium soon.
The Green County Land Use and Zoning Committee in Wisconsin unanimously voted to recommend a one-year moratorium on data center proposals, following a packed public hearing at the Green County Courthouse on Monday, July 13. The recommendation will now go before the county board for a vote, which could occur as early as its next meeting.
A large crowd of residents and elected officials expressed strong opposition to data centers, citing major concerns over their substantial demands for water and electricity. Opponents also highlighted negative environmental impacts, farmland consumption, constant humming noise, and potential drops in residential property values. Speakers such as Josh Mittness of Clarno and Bryna Caves, both candidates for the District 50 assembly seat, were among those who spoke against the facilities, with Caves having organized a protest prior to the meeting.
Committee chairman Dennis Schwartz thanked attendees for their input and civility, clarifying that the proposed moratorium is a preemptive measure and not a response to any specific development proposals in the county. Some attendees also voiced broader criticisms of data centers, linking them to issues like mass surveillance and the spread of fake digital content.