Multiple attendees escorted out of Google data center open house
An open house for Google's proposed data center in Hermantown, Minnesota, saw multiple attendees escorted out due to public frustration over unanswered questions and environmental concerns. Residents expressed worries about the environmental impact and the speed of the approval process, despite Google's presentation on project updates and the thoroughness of their environmental review.
An open house hosted by Google for its proposed data center in Hermantown, Minnesota, resulted in multiple attendees being escorted out of the AAD Shrine event center due to vocal opposition. Residents expressed significant frustration, feeling their questions were not adequately addressed despite Google requesting online submissions, with many interrupting the presentation to voice concerns about the environmental review process and the perceived rapid pace of the data center's approval.
Google representatives, including Tyler Huebner, presented updates on the project's energy usage and construction plans, noting the facility would be slightly smaller at 1.6 million square feet. They defended their use of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) over an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), asserting the AUAR was thorough and met state requirements. Google also explained their choice of Hermantown was due to its proximity to reliable power infrastructure, specifically the Arrowhead substation, and the ease of extending municipal water and sewer services. Concerns were also raised by the public regarding a tax abatement agreement between Google and the City of Hermantown.