Proposed data center in Pine Island will undergo a new environmental review due to settlement
Google and Ryan Companies will conduct a new state environmental review for their proposed data center in Pine Island under a settlement dismissing a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. The review will assess water, energy, noise and light impacts, followed by a public comment period and mitigation planning.
A settlement will require Google and Ryan Companies to prepare a new Environmental Assessment Worksheet for their proposed data center in Pine Island, Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will evaluate the project's potential effects on water resources, energy use, noise and light pollution, while residents and government agencies will receive 60 days to comment after the study is completed.
The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, which argued that the original environmental review was insufficient. MCEA CEO Kathryn Hoffman said the settlement improves transparency and oversight, while Ryan Companies and Google said the project can proceed under enhanced review and cited planned grid investment, closed-loop water use and local economic benefits. Previous city approvals remain valid under the settlement.