Clean Wisconsin

This is an important win in the fight against unchecked AI data center development in Wisconsin and a critical piece of what we've been advocating for: statewide guardrails that will protect our communities! Congratulations to Midwest Environmental Advocates, Sierra Club Wisconsin, and everyone who is fighting every day for meaningful action around data centers.

According to the terms of a legal settlement finalized on Friday, Wisconsin is set to become one of the few states in the country to conduct a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of data center development. A statewide review is essential for making informed decisions about how, where and under what conditions data centers should be developed in Wisconsin.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by MEA on behalf of the Sierra Club after the DNR issued permits for the Vantage data center campus in Port Washington without fully evaluating its environmental consequences.

According to the terms of the settlement:

✅ The DNR must analyze demands on water and energy resources, impacts on air quality and climate, and the effects of related infrastructure such as power plants and transmission lines.

✅ Vantage Data Centers must pay for all costs related to the environmental analysis.

✅ The public must have an opportunity to provide input.