Eau Claire Committee Recommends Data Center Moratorium

The City of Eau Claire Sustainability Advisory Committee discussed the future of data center development at their meeting last week.

Managing data center development has become a significant focus for communities across the state, as local residents express concerns over the potential environmental and energy use impacts of the facilities. Some municipalities, like the City of Menomonie, have updated their zoning codes to better regulate that kind of development. Others, like Dane County, have put temporary moratoriums on approving any proposed data center facilities into effect.

Xcel Energy has also filed a new proposal with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, seeking to ensure that the companies behind those data center projects are paying the full cost for the energy they need. The proposal would create new safeguards to protect customers from having to pick up the tab for the increased energy use, forcing data center facilities and other new large electric customers like industrial plants to enter into a binding long term commitment backed by strong financial security provisions.

At their meeting last Wednesday, the Eau Claire Sustainability Advisory Committee agreed to recommend a one year moratorium on data center proposals to the full City Council. City officials say the moratorium would give them a chance to revisit their zoning codes to add specific protections and regulations for any potential future data centers. It will also give them an opportunity to continue learning about the various environmental and energy use impacts of the facilities.

If the City Council approves the recommended moratorium, they would also have the ability to extend it beyond one year. City officials are hoping that new regulations will increase transparency and help minimize any potential environmental risks.