On data centers, Crowley and Tiffany more alike than different

Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany are actively addressing the contentious issue of data center regulation in Wisconsin, recognizing its significant role in the upcoming November 3 general election. A recent Marquette Law School poll indicates that 78% of registered voters believe the costs associated with data centers, particularly their high energy consumption, outweigh their benefits. This public sentiment was notably highlighted by Francesca Hong, a primary contender who advocated for a one-year moratorium on such projects.

While neither Crowley nor Tiffany has committed to a statewide moratorium, both candidates emphasize the need for protections for ratepayers and the state’s natural resources, which are impacted by the considerable power and land requirements of data centers. They also advocate for greater local community involvement and transparency in negotiations with data center developers like Microsoft and Meta. The debate has been complicated by former President Donald Trump's strong endorsement of data center development, which Tiffany’s campaign did not fully endorse, reiterating the need for safeguards.

Despite shared concerns, the candidates diverge on specific policy approaches. Crowley supports conditioning data center development on union labor and 100% renewable energy, while leaving open the possibility of some state incentives. In contrast, Tiffany proposes eliminating both existing and future subsidies and opposes any renewable energy mandates. Both candidates maintain that local communities should have the final say on whether data centers are built in their areas, with Tiffany specifically calling for an end to subsidies, protection of farmland, and ensuring that project costs are not passed on to taxpayers.