The state of data centers in Minnesota
Protesters in Hermantown, Minnesota, forced the postponement of a City Council meeting that was expected to consider resolutions advancing Google's proposed data center. Opposition groups cite a lack of transparency and potential impacts on air quality and nearby trout streams, while similar data center disputes and a moratorium are unfolding elsewhere in Minnesota.
Protesters disrupted a Hermantown City Council meeting for roughly two hours, preventing officials from considering resolutions that could have advanced Google's proposed data center near Duluth. Peter Hafton, who leads a local group opposing the project, said residents distrust a process that city officials kept confidential for about a year. Google has reduced the project's proposed size, but opponents say environmental impacts remain unclear.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy has sued Hermantown over concerns including air quality and nearby trout streams. The report also describes court action halting construction and requiring additional environmental review for proposed facilities in Pine Island and Fairmont, developer withdrawal from a Minneapolis proposal, and a Minneapolis moratorium enacted while zoning rules are reconsidered. Hermantown's meeting was rescheduled after a court hearing concerning alleged notice violations, while the Hermantown Chamber of Commerce and Building and Trades Council criticized the protesters and backed continuation of the review process.