AB 840 Would Shift Data Center Energy Costs to Wisconsin Residents

MADISON – Wisconsin residents should not be forced to subsidize the energy costs and pollution created by large corporate data centers.

A recently introduced Republican bill, Assembly Bill 840, moves the state in the wrong direction by failing to require data center developers to pay the full costs of their massive energy demands, including the costs of connecting to and upgrading the electrical grid. The bill also limits access to lower-cost renewable energy, which would drive up utility bills and increase pollution across the state.

“It’s got a major poison pill hidden in it. AB 840 prioritizes the interests of large tech companies over Wisconsin families and communities,” said Government Affairs Director Jennifer Giegerich. “At a time when data centers are expanding rapidly and placing unprecedented strain on our energy system, lawmakers should be strengthening protections for residents – not weakening them.”

Giegerich pointed to the Data Center Accountability Bill, Senate Bill 729, as a more responsible approach that would ensure corporations bear the true costs of their operations while protecting ratepayers and the environment.

“Wisconsin residents should not be left vulnerable to higher energy costs and more pollution,” she said. “The legislature should reject AB 840 and enact policies that hold data center developers accountable and put communities first. The people of Wisconsin deserve priority over billion and trillion dollar tech companies. Period.”

Wisconsin Conservation Voters is urging the public to contact their legislators through an action alert here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.