Madison… Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) introduced legislation to ensure transparency and accountability in data center development across Wisconsin.
“As more data center projects seek approval in our state, communities and landowners deserve full, accurate information before decisions are made,” said Rep. Moses. “This bill ensures decisions are made with full information, not behind closed doors.”
The bill would prohibit data center developers from entering into nondisclosure agreements or similar arrangements that conceal material information from local governments or property owners. If a developer violates this transparency requirement, no city, village, town, or county could approve the project.
The proposal comes as the City of Menomonie and surrounding residents continue to debate a potential $1.6 billion data center project, which has raised questions about transparency and community involvement. The Menomonie Common Council has approved rezoning land for the potential facility, but concerns about project details and impacts remain key issues for residents.
“You can’t make informed decisions with information hidden from view,” Rep. Moses added. “Communities and property owners deserve transparency, and taxpayers should not be left bearing the risks of decisions made without full disclosure.”
Under the proposed law, a “data center” is defined as a facility primarily used for digital data storage, management, and processing, including servers, network systems, and related infrastructure.
