How a Google data center settlement in Pine Island could impact Hermantown
A legal settlement requires Google’s proposed Pine Island data center to undergo an environmental assessment with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency before construction can begin. The review will examine noise, light pollution, water use and energy impacts, while a related Google proposal in Hermantown faces ongoing litigation and public opposition.
A settlement between Google and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy requires the proposed Pine Island data center and its developers to complete a state environmental assessment worksheet. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency must review the project before construction, and Pine Island officials must also approve the plan. The process will include a mitigation proposal and a 60-day public comment period addressing issues such as noise, light pollution, water consumption and energy resources.
MCEA CEO Kathryn Hoffman said the agreement is the first state-level environmental review of a Minnesota hyperscale data center and could encourage broader legislative oversight. However, because the case was settled out of court, the review requirement does not automatically apply to other projects. MCEA continues to litigate over Google’s proposed Hermantown data center, where protests have delayed a City Council meeting ahead of a scheduled vote on six resolutions.