Sierra Club Wisconsin Applauds New Data Center Accountability Legislation

Today, State Sen. Habush Sinykin and Rep. Angela Stroud introduced new legislation to bolster transparency and accountability as more tech companies look to build data centers across Wisconsin. There is currently no requirement that data centers pay the full costs of the extra infrastructure or pressure on the grid. Without protections in place, all ratepayers could be footing the bill for these massive energy users. The new legislation prioritizes safeguarding Wisconsin’s natural resources, pushes for expanding clean energy, and protecting Wisconsin workers and ratepayers.

In response, Elizabeth Ward, Wisconsin Chapter Director, released the following statement:

“As Big Tech companies like Microsoft and Meta continue to make plans to build data centers in Wisconsin communities, we need regulations that will protect Wisconsin people and resources first and foremost. Unchecked, data centers could wreak havoc on our water and climate, consuming staggering amounts of energy, and Wisconsinites could be on the hook to pay for them.

Data center owners pay an annual fee that funds renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-income energy assistance programs.  Should include:  For an extended period of time in case the center is abandoned in the future. 

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Abandoned data centers are a growing concern, sometimes becoming “distressed assets” due to factors like AI market shifts and project cancellations. However, the trend also includes repurposing abandoned buildings like malls, power plants, and even former paper mills into new, modern data centers, often with innovative designs. The environmental, economic, and community impact of both scenarios—abandoned facilities and their new uses—is a subject of ongoing debate and local concern.