Data center activity in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's regulatory environment is weighed down by extensive moratorium activity, with at least 114 moratoriums enacted and only 5 rejected, and opposition has been notably successful with at least 22 projects blocked compared to just 3 approved despite resistance. Zoning outcomes are slightly positive, with at least 21 approvals and 8 denials, but the high rate of project blocking suggests that community resistance is an effective force in the state. Compared to neighboring Iowa, where moratorium counts are higher but opposition blocks fewer projects proportionally, Wisconsin stands out for the effectiveness of its organized opposition. The 87 active companies indicate strong market interest despite these headwinds, likely driven by proximity to the Chicago metro area and available power capacity.
Wisconsin's regulatory environment is weighed down by extensive moratorium activity, with at least 114 moratoriums enacted and only 5 rejected, and opposition has been notably successful with at least 22 projects blocked compared to just 3 approved despite resistance. Zoning outcomes are slightly positive, with at least 21 approvals and 8 denials, but the high rate of project blocking suggests that community resistance is an effective force in the state. Compared to neighboring Iowa, where moratorium counts are higher but opposition blocks fewer projects proportionally, Wisconsin stands out for the effectiveness of its organized opposition. The 87 active companies indicate strong market interest despite these headwinds, likely driven by proximity to the Chicago metro area and available power capacity.
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PNK Group concluded webinars for a proposed data center in Wisconsin Rapids, addressing community concerns about water usage and noise. Despite assurances and a proposed community benefits plan, residents and an opposition group remain skeptical as a public hearing for the conditional use permit approaches.
PNK Group concluded a series of webinars to discuss its planned data center at the former Wisconsin Rapids mill site, but local residents remain uneasy. Concerns include water usage, noise, and the involvement of former New York City mayor Eric Adams as an advisor. A public hearing for the project's Conditional Use Permit is scheduled for September 16.
Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany are addressing data center regulation in Wisconsin, a key issue in the upcoming general election amid rising public animosity over energy and environmental costs. Both candidates emphasize local control and protections for ratepayers and natural resources, though they differ on approaches to subsidies and renewable energy requirements.
The Village of Salem Lakes has adopted a new zoning ordinance that includes specific regulations for battery energy storage systems, solar energy systems, and data centers. This decision impacts future development in the area for these types of facilities. The ordinance represents a government action to regulate these industries within the village.
The Sun Prairie City Council has approved a 12-month moratorium on large data center developments exceeding 10,000 square feet. This pause will allow the city to develop comprehensive rules and regulations for future projects. The city also lacks the high-voltage transmission system infrastructure required for such large facilities.
PNK Group is hosting an open house on September 13 to discuss its planned data center in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. The event is likely part of public outreach for the proposed development.
Data centers are projected to significantly increase electricity demand across the US. In Wisconsin, utilities are forecasting a near doubling of electrical demand from just a few data center customers, raising concerns about the power grid's capacity.
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed eliminating a federal requirement for states to notify the public and seek comment before issuing air pollution permits, which would impact data centers. Critics argue this move reduces transparency and makes it harder for communities to voice concerns about proposed projects before construction begins. The EPA, however, states the plan aims to reduce "unnecessary and burdensome red tape."
PBS Wisconsin's Murv Seymour reports on the public perception of data centers as a political issue in Wisconsin. Recent polling by Marquette Law School indicates that only 5% of voters consider data centers to be their most important concern, significantly lower than inflation and cost of living. The segment explores arguments from data center proponents regarding property tax revenue and community benefits.
Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens is actively speaking out against the AI data center boom, citing environmental concerns and community impacts. He has faced professional repercussions, including losing a major sponsorship, due to his advocacy. A specific data center project was approved in Port Washington, Wisconsin, despite public concerns.
Bayfield County officials are considering an 18-month moratorium on large-scale data centers, a proposal put forth by the county's Planning and Zoning Committee. This consideration comes even though no data center projects have yet been proposed in the county. The proposed ordinance will undergo review by the county's corporation counsel before returning to the board for potential action.
The City of Sheboygan is clarifying the purpose of its data center speaker series due to online speculation. The series was established after the Common Council adopted a 12-month data center moratorium, intended to provide the city with time for further review.
Meta's $1 billion, 520-acre data center project in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is reportedly taking shape. This signifies significant progress in the development of the large-scale facility.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany has publicly disagreed with former President Donald Trump regarding data center development. This issue has become significant in Wisconsin's governor's race, with voters keen to understand how candidates plan to regulate these energy-intensive facilities.
The city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, has approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center permits for projects using over 2 megawatts of power or a petabyte of data. This freeze was enacted after residents raised concerns about potential impacts on the power grid, water usage, noise, and fire risk. La Crosse County had previously implemented a similar pause in unincorporated areas.
The Pierce County Board approved an ordinance regulating data centers, allowing them in industrial zones with conditional use permits. However, residents strongly urged the board to enact a 12-month moratorium to study impacts on natural resources, water, and the power grid.
Milwaukee residents and activists are protesting a proposed nearly 15% electric and natural gas rate increase by We Energies, fearing its impact on affordability and potential use for data center infrastructure. The Public Service Commission is holding public hearings on the utility's proposal, with many urging its denial.
The Barron County Board of Supervisors discussed the pros and cons of data centers with a state association representative. They will not take action on a possible moratorium before their October 19 meeting, inviting citizens to share their concerns.
An opinion piece argues that current discussions about AI are misdirected, focusing on logistics and ethics rather than the severe human and environmental costs of its development. The authors contend that even 'ethical' AI relies on underpaid labor and extensive natural resource extraction, causing unavoidable harm. They call for an immediate shift to conversations focused on ending these harmful practices.
The St. Croix County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a moratorium on data center development. This action puts a temporary halt on new data center projects within the county.