Data centers in Wisconsin: What big tech means for our water, air, energy and pocketbook

Just three proposed AI data centers in Wisconsin are projected to use more electricity than all 2.3 million homes in the state combined. In fact, the one facility in Mount Pleasant alone will pull as much power as 1 million homes — becoming one of the largest “cities” of energy consumption in the state without a single person living there. Amy Barrilleaux, communications director at Clean Wisconsin, joined the Rick Solem Show on Monday to help break down the massive, under-the-radar impact hyperscale AI data centers could have on Wisconsin’s energy grid, local water supplies and your monthly utility bills.   In this episode: The Energy Surge: Why the Public Service Commission (PSC) projects a 40% jump in state energy demand over six years — and why 72% of that increase comes from just three data centers. Your Pocketbook: How multi-billion-dollar utility buildouts for tech giants like Microsoft and Oracle could shift massive financial risks onto everyday Wisconsin ratepayers. Local Moratoriums: Why La Crosse County and municipalities state-wide are putting pauses in place to evaluate land use, grid strain, tax implications, local health impacts and more. Land & Water Impacts: The stark difference between temporary solar farm leases and permanent concrete slabs that erase family farmland forever — plus the off-site water drain from fossil fuel power generation. A Century of Infrastructure in 10 Years: Why rebuilding our entire energy system in a decade for a handful of tech companies requires a statewide pause and a real plan. Take Action: Clean Wisconsin has launched a statewide petition calling for a pause on unchecked AI data center development until proper regulations are in place. You can learn more and sign the petition here. Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.