Pine Island residents continue pushback against proposed Google data center
Residents in Pine Island, Minnesota, continue to oppose a proposed Google data center, citing environmental concerns, water usage, and electricity demands. A lawsuit has been filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy challenging the project's environmental review, leading to a restraining order that has delayed construction.
Residents of Pine Island, Minnesota, are maintaining their opposition to a proposed Google data center, voicing concerns that city leaders and the companies involved have not adequately addressed their issues regarding environmental impacts, water use, and electricity demands. The project, known as Project Skyway, is slated for development on approximately 482 acres in and around Pine Island by Ryan Companies for technology-related purposes, including the data center.
Reverend David Derksen, a vocal opponent, emphasized the need for proper environmental review and mitigation strategies to protect residents' interests, despite the city's claim that an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) was conducted and adopted in September 2025. This review reportedly considered traffic, noise, air quality, visual effects, environmental hazards, and water resources.
However, just a month after the AUAR's adoption, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy filed a lawsuit challenging its sufficiency. This legal action resulted in a restraining order, which has prevented construction on the data center, originally scheduled to begin in July, until the lawsuit is heard. A hearing date has not yet been set.