Legal victory! Judge orders release of information about energy use at Meta’s Beaver Dam data center
This week, a Dane County Circuit Court sided with MEA in a dispute over the public’s right to know how the unprecedented energy needs of hyperscale data centers will impact Wisconsin. The court ruled that the Public Service Commission acted unlawfully when it denied a public records request seeking information about energy use at Meta’s Beaver Dam data center and ordered that the information be released.
DNR reversed course on a massive data center after pushback from developers. MEA is fighting for answers.
A new lawsuit filed by MEA on behalf of the Sierra Club shows the extent to which tech companies and data center developers may be influencing decisions that impact Wisconsin’s environment.
Port Washington Data Center Developers Seek to Shift Financial Risks to Residents
When the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved new protections for Wisconsin ratepayers in April, it sent a clear message that ordinary Wisconsinites should not be responsible for the financial risks created by data center deals negotiated behind closed doors by utility companies and the world’s biggest tech companies. Now, some of those companies are asking regulators to backtrack.
Energy Regulators Take Steps to Ensure Data Centers Pay Their Own Way
On April 24, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved We Energies’ proposed rate structure for data centers, but only after making important changes to protect existing ratepayers.
MEA Calls for Full Environmental Review of Port Washington Data Center
At Wisconsin DNR hearing today, residents, advocates, and public health experts raised serious concerns about the air pollution impacts of a new data center campus in Port Washington. MEA is actively engaged in that process to ensure the DNR fully evaluates the environmental impacts before issuing air quality permits for the massive facility.
MEA Recognized for Open Government Work
The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council will honor MEA and other awardees at a free public event in Madison on March 19. MEA is being recognized for promoting transparency and access to public records related to data center development in Wisconsin.
Tell Wisconsin Regulators Data Centers Must Pay Their Own Way
Consumer watchdogs and environmental advocates are keeping a close eye on a pair of cases before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin that could have big consequences for Wisconsin’s energy future. Find out how you can get involved to ensure data center developers pay 100% of the costs for their power and infrastructure—or if some of those costs will be passed on to regular ratepayers.
Data Center Transparency Is a Right—Not a Public Relations Strategy
Last week, Microsoft publicly acknowledged growing concerns about transparency and community engagement in data center development. The increased attention to transparency and public engagement is welcome news. But it is critical to be clear about what transparency actually means—and what it requires.
Register Today for Our Upcoming Data Center Webinar
Whether you’re concerned about energy use, water resources, local planning decisions, or transparency in government, this webinar will equip you with knowledge and resources to understand the issues and protect your community.
MEA and Partners Release Toolkit to Help Wisconsinites Take Action as Data Center Proposals Surge
MEA and our partners have released a toolkit to help Wisconsinites take action as serious concerns about unchecked data center development continue to mount. The toolkit is packed with tools and resources for understanding key decision points and participating in the permitting process.