Local View: Answers needed on resources-hogging Hermantown data center

Google is developing a massive, secretive data center in Hermantown, Minnesota that is expected to consume up to 500 megawatts of power - equivalent to all the residential homes in the Minnesota Power service area. There are concerns about the environmental impacts, energy demands, and lack of transparency around the project. Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy is calling for a full environmental impact statement and legislative fixes to better regulate such large-scale data centers. The public deserves more information and assurances on the long-term benefits versus costs of this project.