Geronimo Power CEO defends zoning discussions, addresses potential expansion
Geronimo Power CEO Blake Nixon defended the company’s discussions with Harmony Township officials while local zoning rules were revised to accommodate a proposed 540-megawatt data center. The township is preparing to consider a 24-month data center moratorium amid community opposition, a petition campaign and scrutiny over a former supervisor’s land deal, while Geronimo has not ruled out litigation if its permit is rejected.
Geronimo Power President and CEO Blake Nixon said the company had regular discussions with Harmony Township officials over many years while the township developed commercial zoning standards. The township later approved changes raising noise limits, removing a one-mile agricultural buffer and eliminating a requirement for applicants to submit a signed power purchase agreement before permit consideration. Geronimo submitted a conditional-use permit application for a 540-megawatt data center on Sept. 15.
The project has faced opposition after former Harmony Township Board Chairman Tom Roden disclosed a private land option connected to the proposed facility before voting for the zoning changes; Roden later resigned. Geronimo has proposed a $140 million community benefits package and acknowledged that future expansion is attractive, while residents and local officials are considering a 24-month development moratorium. Nixon said the company could consider legal action if the permit is denied, and the North Dakota Public Service Commission separately scheduled a hearing on Geronimo’s adjacent battery-storage project.