Some in the Republican-controlled Legislature are concerned about Assembly Bill 840, which requires data center developers to cover their energy costs instead of ratepayers, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Republicans want to slow down and create a comprehensive plan to address the data center energy issue.
Bill 840 requires a closed loop cooling system to limit water use, requires state annual water usage reports and requires the data center projects to restore sites to their original state should the project not be completed.
The bill will move to the Republican-held state Senate where they have an 18-15 majority for a vote. Gov. Tony Evers said he is unlikely to support the bill if he has to sign it into law.
Data center projects have become a topic of heated debate in Wisconsin, with many concerned about how the operations may affect the environment and increase energy costs to customers.
A panel discussion on data centers is planned for Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Edgewater, part of In Business Madison’s Real Estate and Construction Symposium.
