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Republican legislators in Wisconsin are drafting a bill aimed at regulating data center development, emphasizing local control and community safeguards. Announced at the STEM Innovation Center on the UW-Green Bay campus, the proposed legislation seeks to protect farmland, water usage, and maintain stable electricity costs for residents.

The bill allows municipalities to decide on data center construction while implementing strict safeguards if approved. Lawmakers stress that the legislation is not a push for data centers but rather a framework to ensure responsible development, addressing concerns such as noise pollution and increased energy demands. The bill is expected to be reviewed by committee this week, with hopes of finalization by the end of March.