Elk River officials reject amendment that would have allowed for data center
Elk River's City Council rejected an ordinance amendment that would have allowed a proposed data center, effectively blocking the project. This decision came after resident concerns about noise, water usage, and transparency. The city is now considering a one-year moratorium on data center construction.
The Elk River City Council recently voted against a proposed ordinance amendment that would have paved the way for a data center project within the city. The decision effectively shuts down the proposed development, according to the mayor, following a contentious meeting where residents expressed significant concerns.
Key talking points during the council meeting included health, environmental impacts, and financial considerations. Residents, including Tim Jones, owner of EIR Brewing, voiced worries about potential noise, excessive water usage, and a lack of transparency regarding the 24/7 power-guzzling facility. Jones expressed relief at the council's decision, believing it allows his business to move forward without the threat of a neighboring data center impacting customers.
In the wake of the vote, the Elk River City Council is now exploring steps toward enacting a one-year moratorium on data center construction. This move mirrors actions taken by other Minnesota cities, such as Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, which have already implemented similar pauses. Notably, Eagan is currently facing a lawsuit from a data center company that has deemed its moratorium "ill advised and unlawful," a legal challenge the city states it intends to vigorously defend. Inver Grove Heights also faces the threat of litigation over its moratorium.