Milwaukee Council Approves Yearlong Data Center Pause

Milwaukee’s Common Council unanimously approved a temporary ban of up to one year on new data centers and most expansions, giving the city time to create zoning rules amid concerns about electricity and water use, environmental effects and neighborhood impacts. The measure now goes to Mayor Cavalier Johnson. In Charlotte, officials are considering extending an existing 150-day moratorium, which is scheduled to expire Nov. 5, by as much as a year while they study the facilities and develop regulations; a city task force recommends a nine- to 11-month extension. A public hearing is planned before council members take up the proposal, with no vote expected at the hearing.