Milwaukee committee approves temporary halt on new data centers
A Milwaukee Common Council committee approved a proposal to temporarily halt new data center construction and expansions for up to one year or until zoning regulations are established. The full Common Council is expected to vote on the proposal Oct. 13, while city officials study potential noise, air quality, water and energy impacts.
A Milwaukee Common Council committee approved a proposal that would pause new data center developments and expansions for up to a year, or until the city adopts specific zoning rules. The full Common Council is scheduled to consider the measure on Oct. 13.
City officials say Milwaukee currently lacks data center-specific zoning regulations. The proposed pause would give the city time to define how and where data centers can be developed and assess concerns involving noise, air quality, water use and energy consumption. Tanya Fonseca of the Milwaukee Department of City Development said some impacts may require state or federal regulation, but the city wants to establish rules within its authority.