Nobles County Board votes to keep data centers off ag preservation land

The Nobles County Board of Commissioners, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, voted 3-2 to reject a proposed text amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance that would have permitted data centers as a conditional use within the Agricultural Preservation District. This decision upholds a prior recommendation from the planning commission. Commissioners Gene Metz, Bob Paplow, and Justin Ahlers voted in favor of denying the amendment, citing extensive feedback from constituents on the matter. Commissioners Chris Dybevick and Robert Demuth opposed the motion, advocating for an alternative approach that would have directed staff to explore different ordinance amendments. The vote took place in a standing-room-only board room at the Nobles County Government Center in Worthington, Minnesota, with most attendees applauding the outcome, indicating strong public sentiment against allowing data centers on agricultural land.