Duluth Senator to introduce data center moratorium

Duluth Senator Jen McEwen is introducing a bill to place a two-year moratorium on new data center permits in Minnesota. McEwen cites concerns over the potential environmental and transparency issues with data centers, including the proposed Hermantown project involving Google. She wants lawmakers and experts to further study the impacts before approving new facilities. Democratic Representative Pete Johnson agrees, criticizing the lack of communication around the Hermantown project. Google has responded by noting its plans to support renewable energy, but McEwen says these promises are not binding. Republican state lawmakers in the region have not commented on the proposal.