Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Data Center Stances and Campaign Contributions
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates Tom Tiffany and David Crowley are debating their stances on data center development, energy, and environmental regulations. Public polling indicates strong opposition to data centers in the state, making it a key campaign issue. Both candidates have faced scrutiny over campaign contributions from data center-related groups.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic candidate David Crowley are clashing over their positions on artificial intelligence (AI) data center development in Wisconsin. Tiffany has attempted to link Crowley to supporting AI data centers, despite earlier referring to data centers as "exciting new technology" and voting for legislation like the SPEED Act, which aims to accelerate AI infrastructure development.
Crowley, currently the Milwaukee County Executive, has distanced himself from calls for a full moratorium on data centers, instead advocating for guardrails on existing facilities and local government control over data center placement. He emphasizes that communities should decide if they want a data center and proposes requiring developers to invest in Virtual Power Plants and pay for grid upgrades. Crowley's campaign also calls for environmental guardrails on water usage, energy sourcing, and emissions.
Public polling from July indicates significant opposition to data centers in Wisconsin, with 76% of respondents believing costs outweigh benefits. Both candidates have faced accusations of hypocrisy regarding campaign finance: Tiffany accepted a $5,000 contribution from the Wisconsin Data Center Coalition's lobbyist, while Crowley has reportedly received over $350,000 from groups involved in building data centers in the state. Tiffany's past legislative record, including an anti-DNR stance, has also drawn criticism.