Stopping the Big Tech Takeover: Why GROWW is Pushing Back on Wisconsin Data Centers

GROWW was one of several organizations that organized a Regional Front Against AI Data Centers. GROWW, Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin, an expanding grassroots network dedicated to protecting communities and giving everyday people a voice.

I spoke with Danny Akenson, one of the community organizers of GROWW, and asked why thier members co-hosted the Uniting West Wisconsin event with Charlie Berens in Eau Claire, which is concerned about big tech companies expanding in Wisconsin.

He told me what specific concerns members have about hyperscale data centers.

“When we look across the state and nation, what we’re seeing with hyperscale data center developments is terrifying. Wells running dry, water getting contaminated, energy rates going up, and construction for developments taking place all day, every day for years on end. People are being displaced or disillusioned with their homes, the places that they chose to live and have loved for years. What we want is a Wisconsin that prioritizes the needs of regular people, not the wants of greedy, multi-billion dollar corporations.”

Akenson said, “The main takeaway for the hundreds of neighbors who attended is that we have power when we band together and organize; we are more powerful than Big Tech if we stand together across all lines of differences on what matters to us.”

Akenson explained what GROWW is all about, that it started in 2019 with the mission to create change so everyone in our communities can make ends meet, live with dignity, and have a voice in the decisions that are impacting them. GROWW organizes to fulfill that mission and to make sure that regular people are able to have power and agency. We organize around safe and affordable housing, healthcare, factory farms, and more.

“We focus on organizing as opposed to advocacy. Real change happens when we organize masses of people to take action together.” ~Danny Akenson, community organizer with GROWW

Akenson further stated that GROWW is a member-run power organization rather than just an advocacy group.

“Our members are at the center of our organizing. Recently, members voted on the first-ever GROWW Legislative Agenda with top priorities to pass in the state legislature in 2027. GROWW members are regular people in western Wisconsin. We all have a stake in the future of this state. That’s why GROWW makes sure our members are at the center of the organization.”

Akenson explained that members’ concerns surrounding data centers are because they threaten our local water, land, and energy infrastructure, particularly in rural communities.

“We’ve seen people’s wells going dry near data center developments and having their water contaminated. Homeowners are paying the cost of the increase in electricity.” Atkinson said.

I asked Atkenson what proactive protections and guardrails GROWW and its allies are pushing local and state lawmakers to put in place.

“We need full transparency, accountability, and protections from hyperscale data centers. NDAs need to be a thing of the past. Community members need to have a seat at the table in Wisconsin. We need to ensure that developers are fully paying the cost of their energy and grid upgrades. Developers need to be paying for testing and remediation of water and wells. This is just scratching the surface, but the big picture is full transparency, accountability, and protection.”

As a result of GROWW co-hosting a successful Uniting West Wisconsin event with Charlie Berens in Eau Claire, I wanted to know what the next steps are for GROWW and coming out of this weekend’s events.

Photo is Charlie Berens, Comedian & Activist Against Data Centers. Photo Credit: A Regional Response to Data Centers photo credit to Hunter Riley.

“We encourage everyone to sign the Western Wisconsin Data Center Petition and consider checking the box to join a local team organizing around data center protections in their communities. We will have more events soon.” Atkinson told me.

“Looking to the future, beyond land use and data centers, what other pressing issues are GROWW members focusing on next—such as healthcare affordability?”

Akenson let me know that GROWW is also organizing healthcare affordability.

“Healthcare affordability is a big issue, and we will be having over 4,000 conversations with people across western Wisconsin this summer about that issue and what we can do to make healthcare more affordable.”

You can find out more about GROWW Wisconsin at the website: https://gro-ww.org/

Rachel Tilseth is a Menomonie, Wisconsin-based environmental writer, filmmaker, and owner of Wolves of Douglas County WI Films & Media. Lead writer at The Red Cedar Watershed Ledger. Her work explores the intricate relationships between humans, wildlife, and local ecosystems.

Based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, in the historic Red Cedar Basin

Menomonie, WI. Discover how our local economy can thrive without leaving the planet behind. We cover news and stories on sustainable economic development, highlighting initiatives that boost community prosperity, foster equity, and protect our local ecosystems.

We are producing a series of educational articles and interviews featuring city leaders, scientists, and residents to explore sustainable economic development in the region. What began as a grassroots effort by Menomonie residents to successfully pause a controversial data center has evolved into a broader mission championing environmentally conscious, community-driven economic growth.”

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