The Data Center Accountability Framework creates clear standards to protect consumers
MILWAUKEE – Today, the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW) released its Data Center Accountability Framework, a statewide roadmap for policymakers to manage the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers in the state. The framework outlines clear, actionable guidelines to ensure data center projects protect consumers and grow Wisconsin’s economy, without compromising public health, affordability, environmental and clean energy goals.
“Wisconsin is at a critical crossroads regarding data center expansion,” said Chelsea Chandler, Climate, Energy and Air Program Director at Clean Wisconsin, and member of the CECW Steering Committee. “Without a strategic framework in place, the unprecedented speed and scale of these projects will continue raising energy costs for families and small businesses, and prolonging our state’s reliance on fossil fuels. We have a narrow window to act to make sure data center development costs don’t fall on Wisconsin families and small businesses and impact our state’s environmental and clean energy goals.”
CECW’s Data Center Accountability Framework calls on state leaders to pause consideration of new data center proposals until a comprehensive strategy is adopted, emphasizing that leadership from the Governor, state agencies and legislators will be needed to implement an actionable framework statewide.
“This is an ‘all hands on deck’ moment for state policymakers,” said Jennifer Giegerich, Government Affairs Director at Wisconsin Conservation Voters. “The approach we’ve outlined is a starting point and provides the opportunity for Wisconsin to get ahead of data center development – rather than just reacting to it. We developed a strategy that balances policies to address energy affordability and protect the environment, while supporting the state’s economic development and job creation efforts.”
CECW’s Data Center Accountability Framework outlines 10 key pillars the state should institute when considering new data center proposals. Key concepts include:
- Prioritizing energy affordability by requiring transparency around all new infrastructure costs, ensuring large-load customers pay the full cost for new or upgraded energy infrastructure.
- Powering data centers with 100% Wisconsin-based clean energy, in addition to implementing a “Bring Your Own Clean Energy” requirement to ensure developers contribute directly to renewable generation.
- Strengthening grid reliability by maximizing distributed energy resources such as demand response, battery storage, energy efficiency, geothermal, and waste heat recovery to meet rising demand affordably.
- Forward-looking energy planning requiring utilities to demonstrate how load growth will be met through clean energy technologies and preventing additional fossil fuel buildout that could result in additional stranded assets.
- Protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources with safeguards for water usage, and mandatory reporting requirements around energy, water, air emissions, and other environmental impacts.
“CECW’s Framework prioritizes clean energy solutions – the lowest cost, fastest way to meet growing data center demand – as a way to solve affordability concerns while reducing our state’s reliance on fossil fuels,” said Stephanie Robinson, Co-Executive Director, 350 Wisconsin. “By requiring transparency and accountability around the full cost of new infrastructure and ensuring large energy users pay their fair share, we can protect families and small businesses from subsidizing projects that primarily benefit private corporations.”
CECW’s framework also outlines standards that protect local communities and prioritize Wisconsin workers. This includes requirements for Community Benefit Agreements, prevailing wages, local hiring and meaningful engagement with residents to ensure communities see real benefits from these projects.
“Development is only legitimate when communities have real power – not just promises – at the table,” said Bryan Rogers, Environmental Justice Director at Walnut Way Conservation Corp. “We’ve seen too many communities blindsided by projects that extract wealth while leaving residents with the costs. CECW’s Framework increases transparency and accountability for local officials, protects workers and requires enforceable agreements that deliver concrete, community-defined benefits.”
Click here to read the full Framework. For additional quotes or to schedule an interview with members of the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin’s partner organizations, please see the attached quote sheet.
