Cambridge seeks more data regarding controversial facilities
The city of Cambridge, Minnesota, is proactively gathering information on data centers, including zoning, water usage, and energy demands, even though no formal proposals have been submitted. Mayor Jim Godfrey suggested the council explore a moratorium on such facilities to ensure the city is prepared. City staff will research the matter and present findings to the council in the coming months.
The city of Cambridge, Minnesota, is taking proactive steps to understand the implications of data center development, despite not having received any formal proposals for such facilities within its limits. During the June 1 City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Godfrey initiated a discussion, expressing concerns he'd gathered from various sources, including social media, about data centers.
Mayor Godfrey questioned the city's current zoning code regarding data centers, their potential water consumption, and the strain they might place on the local energy grid, specifically mentioning East Central Energy's capacity. He suggested the council consider exploring a moratorium, similar to a previous one enacted for cannabis, to allow for a detailed study. City Administrator Evan Vogel confirmed that an official moratorium would legally obligate the city to conduct such a comprehensive study. City staff is currently researching these issues and plans to present its findings to the council within one to two months, after which the council will decide on the necessity of a moratorium. The council also affirmed its commitment to full transparency with the public should any data center developer approach the city.