The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Vilas County
Pro-Data Center Policies
Wisconsin offers certified data centers a sales-tax exemption on qualifying construction, equipment, operations, and electricity, provided they meet county-dependent investment minimums within five years. The source also describes the enacted law as a proposed measure, creating a conflict in its descriptions.
Rating and summary from Wisconsin statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Vilas County.
Specific to Vilas County only.
pending · County measure: Likely unincorporated areas under county zoning jurisdiction; geographic scope is inferred, not confirmed in ordinance text. County zoning jurisdiction.The proposed ordinance would impose a temporary 12-month moratorium on development of new data centers, battery energy storage facilities, and large-scale solar operations.Vilas County Proposed Data Center, Battery Energy Storage, and Covered Solar Energy Systems Moratorium Ordinance (2026)
What this means
Research assessment: a temporary restraint on new data-center development, not a confirmed enacted ban. If adopted, the proposal would freeze acceptance, review, or approval of development permits for 12 months. The pre-hearing draft report describes maintenance and existing-permit exemptions, but the ordinance text and final scope are not independently verified. The committee unanimously supports the proposal; the reported County Board vote is scheduled for Nov. 10. Adoption is not confirmed in the reviewed sources.
Timing
- Ends
- Proposed duration is 12 months. The administrator states that a moratorium cannot exceed 24 months; not independently verified statutory analysis.
Adoption is not confirmed by supplied research; effective and expiration dates cannot be established. The County Board is scheduled to vote Nov. 10, 2026.
People behind it
- Vilas County Zoning and Planning Committee
Votes unanimously to advance the proposal at the Sept. 23 hearing.
- Richard Logan
Committee chair; supports the ordinance.
- Dave Sadenwasser
Zoning Administrator; presents the proposal and revisions.
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- Jane Van Wormer
Moves to advance the proposal.
- Patrick Weber
Seconds the motion.
- Dan Kramer
Supervisor attending to make a quorum; supports the proposal.
- Vilas County Board of Supervisors
Scheduled to vote Nov. 10, 2026.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Would freeze acceptance, review, or approval of development permits for 12 months, including new data centers.
Would also cover battery energy storage and large-scale solar operations, with solar installations of one acre or less exempt in the draft report.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
The draft report describes exemptions for ordinary maintenance and repairs and existing projects with valid permits.
The proposed pause is temporary, for 12 months, rather than a permanent ban. The Zoning Administrator states that these centers cannot be permanently banned under state law; this is an official's reported statement, not independently verified statutory analysis.
Sources
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