Citizen petition advances in Monticello data center debate

MONTICELLO – A citizen petition calling for additional environmental review of a proposed data center site in Monticello, Minnesota, has successfully advanced with state officials. Organized by local resident Andy Sopher, a key figure in the “Stop the Monticello Data Centers” movement, the petition garnered approximately 500 signatures, significantly exceeding the 100 required by state law. Sopher expressed concerns about ensuring environmental impacts receive thorough scrutiny. The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board confirmed the petition met all necessary requirements and designated the City of Monticello as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU). City Administrator Rachel Leonard stated that the City Council will address the petition at an upcoming meeting, where they must decide whether to mandate an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the project. The city has about 15 business days to make this determination, with options including requiring the study, denying the petition, or deeming the project exempt. The proposed development involves a potential 550-acre data center campus explored by Monticello Tech LLC. Separately, the Monticello City Council is developing a draft Data Center Planned Unit Development (DCPUD) ordinance to establish zoning and review standards for future data center proposals, emphasizing it does not approve specific projects but creates a regulatory framework.