Kathryn Hoffman: MCEA lawsuit seeks full picture on data center
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy CEO Kathryn Hoffman defends the group’s lawsuit challenging Google’s proposed hyperscale data center in Pine Island. She alleges Google’s environmental review failed to disclose key information about energy use, environmental impacts and corporate involvement, while citing broad local opposition to the project.
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy CEO Kathryn Hoffman argues that Google failed to provide Pine Island residents and officials with essential information about its proposed hyperscale data center before the city approved the project. She says the environmental study omitted details about electricity demand, noise, light, diesel generators, air pollution and the company’s role in the proposal.
Hoffman says MCEA filed a lawsuit under Minnesota environmental and public-participation laws, and that a court has halted construction while the case proceeds. She also criticizes Google for seeking to keep the facility’s projected electricity demand confidential in filings with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Hoffman cites a community survey finding that nearly 75% of area residents oppose the project and says the case is intended to protect transparency, environmental review and local decision-making.