What’s happening in Wisconsin
Wisconsin scored two major victories for data center opposition in 2026. State regulators approved changes to the We Energies data center tariff, requiring large-load customers to fund the full cost of generation and grid infrastructure — a model other states are now studying.
In Port Washington, residents fought back against unrestricted tax incentives for major developments including data centers. Through a direct legislation petition that captured 1,000 signatures in a single week, they forced a public referendum requiring voter approval for large tax breaks. The measure was ratified by voters in a nearly 2:1 margin — an unprecedented level of community control over these projects.
The state also has draft legislation (LRB-6377) that would ban data center operations until the legislature enacts cost-shift protections. While not yet voted on, it reflects the growing bipartisan consensus that communities shouldn’t subsidize Big Tech infrastructure.
Wisconsin is part of an unusual surge in central and plains state data center spending — states in the geographic box formed by Montana, Utah, Minnesota, and Nebraska account for roughly one-third of all anticipated 2026 data center construction starts by value, according to ConstructConnect. The backlash is growing in proportion.
Why Wisconsin residents are concerned
Cost protection. The bill's requirement for explicit bans on cost-shifting reflects the central concern: data centers should pay their own way, not burden residential ratepayers.
Water resources. Wisconsin's freshwater resources, including connections to the Great Lakes system, require protection from large industrial water consumers.
How to oppose a data center in Wisconsin
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a data center moratorium in Wisconsin?
Draft legislation LRB-6377/1 would prohibit data center operation until the legislature enacts protections including a planning authority and bans on shifting costs to residents.
How can I oppose a data center in Wisconsin?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.