Column: Why I introduced a data center regulation bill
By Vincent Miresse
Hello neighbors,
Rep. Vinnie here, your State Representative. I wanted to share a brief update on the work I’m doing to help our community at the State Capitol in Madison.
Last month, I attended a data center informational event to discuss the proposed data center in Wisconsin Rapids alongside environmental and technology experts as well as comedian Charlie Berens. Throughout this last legislative session, data centers have been at the forefront of everybody’s mind as they continue to expand into Wisconsin without any regulatory framework in place. Currently, there are three major bills about data centers in Wisconsin and the legislature navigating the bills feels like Goldilocks trying to find the right porridge: one is too hot, one is too cold, and (I may be biased but…) the bill I introduced is just right.
A recent Marquette poll found 70% of Wisconsinites believe the costs outweigh the benefits when it comes to data centers. My job as a legislator is to protect our community as these data centers start to circle, largely as a result of the tax breaks Republican legislators introduced to attract them to our state. In 2025 alone we’ve already lost $2 Billion in sales tax revenues. My bill (AB-722) is strong on data center regulation, and it’s not ignoring the reality that these data centers are coming to Wisconsin. We worked tirelessly for nearly a year to engage dozens of stakeholders, from local communities, activists, and environmentalists to the Public Service Commission, industry, and labor unions, and we built consensus. The bill allows communities impacted to tap on the brakes while they work out the details, and it provides strong, realistic regulations on data centers to protect us from having our utility rates skyrocket, water depleted, workers exploited, environment damaged, and transparency on resource usage while taking advantage of the much-needed tax revenues paid to our local municipalities. If we wish to safeguard the land, lakes, and communities that define Wisconsin, a regulatory framework is necessary.
As I mentioned, there are two other bills that have been introduced on this important issue: one by Republicans and one by Democrats. The Republican bill (AB-840) was taken to the floor 11 days after being introduced, leaving zero time for meaningful conversations with stakeholders which is evident in the bill text. The other Democratic bill (AB-1099) places a moratorium on data center construction highlighting the rightful fears of many Wisconsinites. However, this bill is unlikely to go anywhere in the Republican dominated legislature.
I am always happy to hear from constituents on this or any other issue. I say it all the time: your input is an essential part of this process. Please feel free to contact my office via phone or email at any time if you want to share your opinion, have a question, or need help with government services.
In service,
Representative Vincent Miresse
71st District – Wisconsin State Assembly
[email protected]
608-237-9171