Here in Shawano County, we are showing Wisconsin what the power of the people can accomplish.
On June 3, the Shawano County Courthouse was packed as community members spoke in favor of a data center moratorium. A temporary stay on permitting, a moratorium will give the county a year to research the potential repercussions of data center development before moving forward with decision making. This prevents hasty development by giving us time to understand how data centers will impact northern Wisconsin.
Many community members spoke with concern about how a data center will impact our health, water and air quality, tourism, commerce and the health of the land our children will inherit. Given these implications, it is crucial that we give ourselves time to understand something that can become more than a public nuisance — but can become a public hazard. We must measure twice, cut once. A moratorium will aid us in making a sustainable, responsible, long-term decision.
Large scale data centers, meaning anything that utilizes over 100 megawatts of power, are known for their environmental impact, lack of job opportunity and disturbance for neighboring communities. These data centers generate and store information while using freshwater and fossil fuels to cool and operate the machinery. For nearby residents, this can lead to well water complications, contaminated water, ecological anomalies, noise and air pollution, and higher electric bills.
As a speaker, I was thrilled to hear fellow community members speak in support of the moratorium. Elders and youths, business owners and homeowners, organizers, Realtors, conservationists and engineers from every corner of the county came together to speak on behalf of our farmlands, forests and future. Community members from Oconto and Menominee counties also spoke out in favor of the moratorium, as neighbors concerned for our wellbeing.
So, what now?
The planning, development and zoning committee is in favor of passing the moratorium. Now, it will go to the Shawano County Board of Supervisors, where an official vote on the moratorium will be taken on June 24 at 3 p.m. This meeting will have public comment and will take place in the board room at the courthouse.
It is important that we attend this meeting and continue to speak in favor of passing the moratorium. To protect Shawano County, we must utilize the power of the people. We are stronger when we stand together. We must organize so our local representatives vote in our best interest.
Many speakers reminded us that surrounding communities are waiting to see our decision-making process and how we will handle this pivotal moment. It is crucial that Shawano County leads by a good example in passing a moratorium. We may be a small community, but we are strong and can create a proactive ripple effect.
To ensure the county board passes the moratorium, we must keep showing up, speaking out, and working together to keep Shawano County data center free for the next generation. We deserve a future with clean water, pristine farmland and healthy kids. It is only when the public stays involved in local government that we can truly safeguard our community. If you cannot attend the meeting on the 24th, please reach out to the county board members and let them know that you support the moratorium. Together, we can keep Shawano County beautiful, safe and sustainable.
For more information on how to contact the county board, go to https://www.co.shawano.wi.us/committees/?committee=2eb96f7c3cc2.
Gracie Waukechon is an environmental activist, community organizer and intern at the Sustainable Development Institute at the College of Menominee Nation. She lives in Bonduel.
