Data center debate becomes election issue in Minnesota
The No Dirty Data Centers MN coalition launched a voter information website focused on the potential health, environmental, water, energy and taxpayer impacts of hyperscale data centers in Minnesota. Coalition-backed bills that would have strengthened oversight and repealed certain tax exemptions failed to advance, making data center regulation an issue in the upcoming election.
The No Dirty Data Centers MN coalition has launched MN Data Center Voter, a nonpartisan website explaining data center policy proposals and providing questions for candidates. Coalition members say voters are concerned about environmental impacts, water and energy use, taxpayer costs and the adequacy of safeguards for large-scale developments in Minnesota communities, including Hermantown, Pine Island and Farmington.
During the legislative session that ended in May, coalition organizations supported proposals to ban nondisclosure agreements, strengthen environmental review and repeal sales tax exemptions for hyperscale data centers. The measures failed to advance amid industry opposition. Coalition representatives said the election could influence whether Minnesota lawmakers adopt stronger protections during the 2027 legislative session.