MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee Common Council committee approved a proposal Oct. 6 to pause new data center construction and expansions for up to a year, giving the city time to develop zoning rules for the facilities. The proposed moratorium would end when new regulations are finalized or after one year, whichever comes first. The full Common Council is expected to vote on the measure Oct. 13; it is not yet in effect. Milwaukee currently has no zoning rules specifically for data centers. City officials say they need time to define the facilities and determine where they may be allowed, while assessing possible effects on nearby communities, including noise, air quality, water use and energy demand. Tanya Fonseca of the Department of City Development said large data centers can rely on substantial mechanical equipment and consume significant amounts of water and energy. Some impacts may fall under state or federal authority, she said, but the city wants to establish rules for matters it can regulate.