DeForest Residents Push for Referendum on QTS Data Center Annexation Amid Legislative Oversight Proposal
Residents in DeForest, Wisconsin, are advocating for a referendum on QTS's proposed annexation of 1,700 acres for an AI data center, backed by a petition with over 1,000 signatures. Concurrently, state legislators have introduced a bill aimed at increasing oversight of data center projects, which includes measures to prevent utility cost hikes and mandates for renewable energy use. The village board has yet to act on the petition due to legal concerns.
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Residents in DeForest, Wisconsin, are voicing concerns over QTS's proposed annexation of 1,700 acres for an AI data center in the Town of Vienna. A petition signed by over 1,000 residents seeks to require referendums for any land annexation over 30 acres or costing more than $10 million.
Concurrently, Rep. Shannon Zimmerman and Sen. Romaine Quinn introduced legislation to enhance state oversight of data center projects.
This bill mandates the Public Service Commission to prevent utility cost increases for customers due to data center construction and requires on-site renewable energy facilities. Additionally, it stipulates that water used for cooling must be contained in a closed-loop system.
QTS estimates the development would generate $1.2 billion in assessed value over four years. The village board did not act on the petition, citing legal concerns.
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