The exterior dome of the Wisconsin state Capitol is seen in Madison Feb. 15, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Building data centers has become a hot topic not only in Northeast Wisconsin, but throughout the entire Badger State.
Lawmakers are now discussing potential ways to regulate them. Extensive discussion about data centers took place Tuesday during the Senate Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism. Members of the public also spoke out against the technology giants coming to Wisconsin.
“Community taxpayers should not be on the hook to pay for these data centers, especially when they’re only here to take from our already fragile resources and environment,” one person said.
Several bills were discussed — each one asking to place various regulations on data centers.
Legislation proposed by State Sen. Andre Jacque, R-New Franken, would prohibit nondisclosure agreements meant to withhold information from the public about data center projects.
“These are not minor developments. They re-shape communities and carry real fiscal consequences for taxpayers. Residents are also concerned about noise levels, changes in land use and what infrastructure costs are connected to projects,” Jacque said.
The Data Center Coalition warns lawmakers should be careful not to push out and discourage the building of data centers.
“Data centers support hospitals, financial institutions, manufacturers and government systems. Limiting NDAs could inadvertently expose operational details that should remain confidential for public safety reasons,” DCC Director of State Policy Brad Tietz said.
Another bill, this one proposed by Senate Democrats, would create new large energy customer fees and rules for data centers. It would require data centers to manage their impact on utilities, like electricity, and resources, like water use.
“This legislation ensures we can seize the economic opportunities at hand without passing costs onto Wisconsin families,” State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin, D-Whitefish Bay, said.
A similar Republican-authored bill being discussed focuses on more specific requirements for data centers. This includes mandating closed loop water cooling systems, closely working with the DNR and project responsibility.
“No costs associated with the construction or extension of electric infrastructure that primarily serves a data center are allocated to or recovered from any other customer,” State Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, said.
Members of the public and legislators on both sides of the aisle who spoke Tuesday all want at least some regulations on data centers.
It’s not clear when a Senate vote will take place on the proposed bills. Bills that pass the Senate will go on to the Assembly, which may require a special session.
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