Wisconsin DNR to Review AI Data Center Impacts Statewide

Oct 19, 2026
Wisconsin regulators will conduct a statewide environmental review of AI data center growth under a settlement over permits for the $15 billion Lighthouse campus.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will conduct a statewide review of AI data center impacts under a settlement with environmental groups and Vantage Data Centers, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. The agreement follows a lawsuit filed by Midwest Environmental Advocates on behalf of Sierra Club over permits for the $15 billion Lighthouse data center campus in Port Washington.

The review will assess the direct, indirect and cumulative effects of planned data centers and related power infrastructure on agriculture, air and water quality, climate, energy, the economy and cultural resources. The agency must seek public comments, hold at least one hearing and examine effects on energy bills. Vantage will cover the review costs, while the agency will control the analysis and must complete it by Jan. 31, 2028.

The Lighthouse campus, developed by Vantage with Oracle and OpenAI, includes four data centers across 672 acres. Its first phase would use 1.3 gigawatts of electricity, with potential demand reaching 3.5 gigawatts. The existing permits will remain valid and will not require another environmental review under the settlement.

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