Data center conversations in Wisconsin Rapids

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – The South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development organized the data center informational event in under a week. They invited guests to speak about the impacts data centers are causing in other areas of the state and country.

Emcee for the evening, Aliya Khan of Sun Up, Wisconsin introduced comedian Charlie Berens. He opened the evening with some lighthearted jokes before diving into the meat of his talk.

“ The truth is that none of us asked these tech companies to take so much of our data and copywritten material that now they need our land and our water and our power to store this data, to train AI, to do whatever benefits big tech the most,” explains Berens. “None of us asked for that. None of us voted for it. And even while polling shows, 70% of registered Wisconsin voters believe the cost of AI data centers outweigh the benefits, big tech is still moving full steam ahead.”

Berens thanked local government officials for attending the event and encouraged people to attend the city’s public hearing on May 4th at 4:00pm.

“You want to put that on your planner, there, that’d be nice,” Berens said.

Local leaders in attendance

Mayor Matt Zacher told WFHR he was there as a resident to learn about data centers just like everyone else.

“ I’m just another resident with my resident hat on to learn what this group of people have to say about data centers and what’s going on in the state,” said Zacher. “Hopefully, you know, it’s a lot of factual information that we can use to make rational, logical, intelligent decisions moving forward for our community because this is all about what’s important for our community, not only today, but 10, 20, 30, 50 years from now,” Zacher concluded.

Alderperson Jeff Penzkover says these informational meetings are helpful.

“ We’re learning as we go, just like the general public is,” says Penzkover. “I’m not an expert on data centers, but I am becoming one this week alone. My phone’s been ringing quite a bit and I’m doing as much as I can to learn as much as I can, as fast as I can.”

There’s another informational session at B’s Taphouse on April 30th at 5:30pm with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. RSVP on their Facebook page.