The Struggle Against Hyperscale Data Centers Across Wisconsin

Data centers are being proposed across Wisconsin to serve as infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI), raising concerns about increased energy costs, water usage, pollution, and impact on local communities. Community groups have mobilized to oppose these data centers, citing lack of transparency and input from residents. The data center lobby, WIDCC, is involved in bringing AI infrastructure to Wisconsin, and companies are using tax incentives and financing to develop these centers. Residents in towns like Port Washington, Janesville, DeForest, Caledonia, and Menomonie have organized campaigns to stop or regulate data center development, with some successes but ongoing battles in many communities. Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced legislation to pause data center construction until environmental, economic, and other guidelines are in place. Organizers urge residents in affected towns to get involved in the fight against data centers.