New toolkit helps communities push back against Big Tech as data center proposals surge in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. - A new toolkitis available to help Wisconsinites take action to protect their communities as Big Tech companies continue to look to build energy-hungry hyperscale data centers in the state. "Hyperscale Data Centers in Wisconsin: Big Tech Unchecked" provides information for people to learn more about data centers, data centers' extreme resource use, potential consequences for local residents, and how communities can rise together to ensure guardrails are implemented for proposed hyperscale data center projects.

"I'm so happy to have this toolkit available to help me assess the impacts of any new proposed data centers and help me understand what to do if a data center is introduced near me," said Gloria Randall-Hewit, Racine resident.

A webinarwill be held on January 13 at 6 PM to walk through the toolkit and answer community questions on how to take action.

The toolkit's authors released the following statements:

Elizabeth Ward, Chapter Director, Sierra Club Wisconsin: "People across the state are rightfully concerned about Big Tech coming to Wisconsin communities and using our natural resources to power their AI data centers. We've gotten questions from folks from all over on what they can do to stop Big Tech from extracting their community's resources and putting them at risk for higher utility costs. This toolkit provides practical solutions that any person and any community can do. When we work together, we're stronger than Big Tech."

Brittany Keyes, Clean Air Policy Manager, Healthy Climate Wisconsin: "The rapid, unchecked expansion of hyperscale data center proposals is concerning for the health of our lands, waters, and communities. From increasing air pollution to rising electricity prices, hyperscale data centers are going to strain already overburdened communities across Wisconsin. This toolkit provides community members with resources and advocacy support, so that community health can be centered and protected in the face of these proposals."

Meleesa Johnson, Executive Director, Green Fire Wisconsin: "People and communities who are well-informed, collaborate effectively, and have access to appropriate resources are best positioned to plan for and address emerging challenges such as the impacts of data centers. This toolkit serves as one big step toward empowering stakeholders in that work."

Michael Greif, Legal Fellow, Midwest Environmental Advocates:"When a data center proposal comes to your community, getting involved in the decision-making process early on is critical. The resources in this toolkit will equip you with the tools you need to understand the issues, advocate for transparency, participate in the permitting process and influence the decisions that affect you and your neighbors."

What's next for data centers in Wisconsin?

Upcoming decisions will determine whether some of the concerns outlined in the toolkit can be mitigated. In the spring, the Public Service Commission will determine how much of the energy infrastructure costs We Energies and Alliant customers will be asked to pay for.

Additionally, local governments are making decisions on specific data center proposals. Here are the upcoming events around the proposals:

Upcoming Events in Local Communities

• Kenosha: Common Council meeting on Monday, December 15 at 7 PM
  • Room 200 at City Hall, 625 52nd St., Kenosha
  • To learn more, contact: [email protected]
• Menomonie: City Council meeting on Monday, December 15 at 7 PM
  • City Council Chambers, Menomonie City Hall, 800 Wilson Ave., Menomonie
  • To learn more, follow: Stop the Menomonie Data Center on Facebook
• DeForest: Town Board meeting on Tuesday, December 16 at 6 PM
  • DeForest Village Hall, 120 South Stevenson St, DeForest
• Port Washington: City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 PM

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.