Proposed Google data center in Pine Island to undergo new environmental review
A settlement in litigation over Google’s proposed Project Skyway data center in Pine Island requires a new, more detailed environmental review supervised by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The project cannot be built until state and city officials approve a mitigation plan addressing water and energy use, noise and light pollution.
A settlement approved unanimously by the Pine Island City Council ends litigation over Google’s proposed Project Skyway data center. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy sued over what it described as an inadequate initial environmental review, and the agreement requires Google and developer Ryan Companies to prepare a detailed assessment under the supervision of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
The assessment must address the project’s water and energy consumption, noise and light pollution, and mitigation measures. Construction cannot begin until the city and state agency approve the mitigation plan, followed by a public comment period. Community opposition remains active, while Ryan Companies said the settlement provides a path forward; Google declined to comment. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has separately raised concerns about a power agreement with Xcel Energy and potential costs to other customers.