1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I'm writing to urge you to issue an executive order establishing interim standards for large data-center and AI infrastructure projects while the legislature develops comprehensive legislation. Data centers bring investment and jobs, but they can strain electric grids, water supplies, and local communities. Without clear standards, residents and small businesses often bear the costs of private development. Pennsylvania's Governor Shapiro offers a useful model with Executive Order 2026-05, which applies responsible infrastructure standards to data-center projects—covering grid reliability, environmental protection, water use, community engagement, and workforce development. I respectfully ask your administration to use existing executive authority to: Require developers to pay full infrastructure costs (generation, transmission, water, wastewater,etc.) Prevent cost-shifting to residential customers and small businesses Require rigorous review of electricity, water, and environmental impacts Mandate meaningful local approval and public meetings before permits Establish enforceable standards for reliability, energy sourcing, and community benefits Require public disclosure of ownership, energy/water use, and expected impacts Prohibit nondisclosure agreements on material project information This executive action would establish a reasonable baseline until the legislature acts, without replacing future legislation. It would welcome responsible investment while ensuring the public doesn't subsidize private infrastructure and affected communities have a genuine voice. I urge you to direct relevant agencies to draft such an order in consultation with legislative leaders, local governments, utilities, labor organizations, environmental groups, and affected residents. Thank you for your consideration.