The city of Oshkosh has adopted a resolution to study a temporary moratorium on new data center development. Common Council member Alec Lefeber, the resolution’s author, says it would accomplish three things: assessing the impact of data centers, evaluating the city’s infrastructure, and considering regional implications.

Regional Considerations

Council member Paul Esslinger says further study is needed, citing concerns from constituents about data centers. Lefeber adds that Oshkosh must think regionally, as residents in other Wisconsin communities are learning about the impacts of data centers as they are being built.

Mayor Matt Mugerauer agrees with the concept of regional consideration. Council member Brad Spanbauer mentions an MIT study showing the impact of data centers on the power grid, known in Europe.

Six common council members voted in favor of the moratorium resolution, with one voting present. The resolution will now go through the planning process before returning to the common council within 60 days.

Original reporting: WHBY (Appleton) — read the source article.