Hi, I’m Representative Shannon Zimmerman and I represent the 30th Assembly District. I want to talk to you about a bill of mine that recently passed through the Assembly.
Assembly Bill 840 regulates how data centers are built and operated throughout our state. Simply stated, this bill requires the Public Service Commission to make sure that any costs for building or expanding electric infrastructure that primarily serves a data center are paid for by the data center itself. In other words, if a data center needs new power lines, substations, or other electric upgrades, the data center must cover those expenses rather than shifting them onto households or small businesses.
This bill also prevents data centers from placing renewable energy projects in other parts of the state while still claiming the environmental benefits. Finally, Assembly Bill 840 sets environmental and financial safeguards for data centers. It requires all cooling water to be used in a closed-loop system that recycles water rather than continuously drawing new supplies. Data centers must also report their annual water usage to the state.
This bill strikes a balance of economic and strategic benefits while protecting Wisconsin’s interests. This is to ensure Wisconsin rate payers are protected and our water is secured.
Have a wonderful weekend!
