Carlton County board advances data center pause after community pushback
The Carlton County Board of Commissioners in Minnesota advanced an interim use ordinance that would pause new data center development following a push from the community group Carlton County Land Stewards. The group urged commissioners to study the potential impacts of such facilities before allowing further development. A final vote on the ordinance is not expected until August.
The Carlton County Board of Commissioners in Minnesota voted to advance an interim use ordinance on Tuesday, which would temporarily halt the establishment of new data centers within the county. This decision follows strong advocacy from the grassroots organization, Carlton County Land Stewards (CCLS), who presented to the committee of the whole meeting, urging commissioners to assess the potential impacts of data center facilities.
Sandy Sterle, representing CCLS, emphasized the need for preparedness and requested a moratorium on new data center development. Commissioner Susan Zmyslony introduced the interim use ordinance, stating that the community is not against development but seeks careful planning and proper placement. The board voted to move the ordinance forward, with one dissenting vote. Carlton County Economic Development Director Ryan Pervenanze expressed caution against limiting future development opportunities, noting the absence of current data center proposals. A final vote on the ordinance is anticipated in August, with a public hearing scheduled for next week.