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AB840: Data Center Cost-Shifting, On-site Power, Land Restoration
More lawmakers are signing-on to the plan to make sure people in Wisconsin don’t see their electricity bills jump because of AI data centers.
A number of Republicans on Monday voiced their support for Assembly Bill 840, which would ban utilities in the state from passing the costs for data centers on to other customers.
“As more communities are asked to host large data centers, it’s critical that we put Wisconsin families first and make sure local residents aren’t left paying the price,” Rep. Jerry O’Connor, R- Fond du Lac, said in a statement."
“We can welcome economic development and modern infrastructure without sacrificing affordability, environmental stewardship, or fairness for taxpayers."
O'Connor is not the only Republican who jumped on-board with the plan.
State Rep. Alex Dallman, R-Markesan, also said the proposal is a balance between encouraging data center developments, and protecting the people who already live in the area.
“Most of what we do in everyday life involves a data center in some type of way – using the internet, cell phone, artificial intelligence, and cloud storage – which is why this bill is so important," Dallman added. "It balances the demand for data centers while ensuring that data centers do not interfere with our rights, pocketbooks, or natural resources. I am looking forward to making sure this bill gets through the legislative process.”
Assembly Bill 840 is the Republican's pitch for AI data center regulations. Democrats have their own plan. That one would stop data center construction, and impose new rules for water use, environmental worries, and local regulations.
The Republican plan next heads to the Assembly Committee on State Affairs. After that, it faces an uncertain future in both the full Assembly and State Senate. It's also unclear if Gov. Evers will sign the proposal if it makes it to his desk.
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