The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) is being positioned as a climate hero—from optimizing energy systems to monitoring emissions to mapping environmental changes. At the same time, Wisconsin and states across the country are seeing a surge in proposals for new data centers to support AI—quickly followed by utility plans to build new methane gas plants to meet the enormous energy demands of these facilities.
It’s hard not to consider the contradiction: we’re looking to AI to help solve the climate crisis, while AI is repeatedly cited as the reason for doubling down on fossil fuels, getting us further off track from our emissions goals.
Don’t get me wrong—I like AI. I’m here for it. An open-source tool that can boost efficiency for resource-strapped nonprofits? Sign me up. Offering executive support to people with disabilities? Amazing. Finding a cure for cancer? The potential is endless. And AI will undoubtedly play an essential role in advancing renewable energy by optimizing energy grids and improving energy storage systems. AI is already actively contributing to reducing our carbon footprint. But if AI is the future, we need to power it with the energy of the future.
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Investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure today locks us into decades of volatile energy costs and increased pollution. Imagine building a house, and you know the foundation should be made of reinforced concrete because of its durability and stability. Instead, you use wood because it’s widely available, easy, and quick to work with. Over time, the wood may rot or warp, ultimately leading to excessive maintenance costs. The cost of repair becomes higher than if you just had waited and used the proper materials from the start. Wisconsin shouldn’t choose the short-term convenience of methane gas over the long-term sustainability of clean energy.
Wisconsin needs to take a more holistic approach to planning for its energy future, one that considers not just our current needs but also looks at the clean economy we’re trying to build and the health, environmental, and financial impacts of our choices. With the increased use cases for AI and the electrification of homes, businesses, and transportation, Wisconsin’s energy demand will undoubtedly grow. Data centers that support AI can be an economic win for Wisconsin, attracting investment and high-tech jobs. But meeting the demand of the massive amounts of electricity consumed requires forward-thinking solutions—renewable energy, battery storage, smart grid enhancements, and yes, AI-enabled energy efficiency—not outdated fossil fuel plants.
Before committing to expensive, long-lived gas infrastructure, Wisconsin needs a more accurate, future-focused assessment of its energy needs. The state should prioritize investments that build a modern economy—clean energy projects that create good jobs, protect public health, and keep energy costs stable for consumers. Prioritizing renewable energy and storage avoids the volatility of fossil fuel prices, the risk of stranded assets, and the long-term environmental damage that comes from doubling down on gas. While clean energy continues to evolve to meet the energy needs of data centers, we should prioritize the development of better alternatives to methane, rather than making short-sighted choices we’re sure to regret.
Wisconsin can either cling to an outdated energy model built on pollution, price volatility, and energy dollars sent out of state, or we can invest in a clean, resilient future powered by homegrown energy. The decisions made now will shape every part of our economy—and our climate—for generations. As data centers look to establish a footprint in Wisconsin and utilities propose new methane gas plants to support them, I urge our policymakers to make future-focused decisions.
– Jodi Jean Amble is the deputy director at RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit 501c3 advocating for clean energy solutions across the state. Based in Madison, RENEW Wisconsin works to advance renewable energy policies and projects that benefit communities, businesses, and residents.
