Wisconsin Data Center Popularity Declines; Sheboygan Considers Moratorium

A recent Marquette Law School poll indicates a significant increase in negative public sentiment towards artificial intelligence and data centers across Wisconsin. According to poll director Charles Franklin, support for data centers, which was evenly split last year, dropped to a 70-30 opposition margin by February, a trend that continued into March. This growing opposition is notable even among Republicans and independents, with many users of AI technology still believing it to be detrimental to society. Amidst this shift in public opinion, several Wisconsin communities have initiated or passed moratoriums on data center construction. Locally, the Sheboygan Common Council voted on Monday to instruct the city's plan commission to evaluate and potentially establish a 12-month moratorium on new data center proposals within the city.