The Chippewa County Board voted unanimously to pass a temporary moratorium on data center construction — a major victory for CVI and the coalition of farmers, residents, and community advocates who pushed for it.

The moratorium gives the county time to develop proper zoning regulations before any data center projects can move forward. It’s the result of months of organizing — from the Charlie Berens event that packed High Country, to the public hearing where community members lined up to speak, to the relentless pressure from CVI members who refused to let this issue be decided behind closed doors.

Now the real work begins: getting comprehensive zoning in place for the entire county. But tonight, we celebrate. The people showed up, the board listened, and democracy worked.