Whether we like it or not, data centers are coming to Wisconsin. In the coming years, more local governments will face the decision of whether to host a data center in their community.

However, the effects of data centers have the potential to be felt by Wisconsinites statewide, not just those that live near one.

We introduced legislation that will protect all Wisconsin residents. We all deserve to know that our electric rates won’t go up when data centers are built, and we must ensure that our land and our water is used in a responsible manner.

Our legislation will:

Secure affordability by requiring the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure there are protections for ratepayers by preventing data center operators from passing their electricity costs onto residential consumers. Data centers must pay their own way to protect ratepayers from subsidizing large-scale private energy demands.

Protect water and land by requiring data centers to use closed-loop cooling systems which recycle a fixed volume of water. This responsible and sustainable water usage minimizes freshwater consumption and reduces the environmental impact from cooling operations. Data center operators are also required to send an annual water usage report to the Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, land will be safeguarded through reclamation and restoration requirements. A bond or security must be filed to cover reclamation costs and if construction is not completed, then the site must be restored to its pre-construction condition.