Mandan Citizens Propose Data Center Ban After Moratorium Request Receives No Action
Mandan citizens have initiated a petition to ban data centers larger than 25 megawatts within city limits. This action follows their dissatisfaction with how the city handled their concerns regarding a data center ordinance draft and a prior petition for a moratorium. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the ordinance draft, but it still awaits review by the City Commission.
Mandan citizens held a press conference at City Hall to discuss two petitions. One petition sought a special election to fill a City Commissioner vacancy. The second petition, announced by resident Susan Beehler, aims to ban large-scale data centers exceeding 25 megawatts from being built within Mandan city limits.
This move by citizens comes after they felt their concerns about a data center ordinance draft were not adequately addressed by the Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission. During an August 24 meeting, 26 people spoke, and written comments were submitted, but citizens felt the commission did not acknowledge their input meaningfully. Sheila Froehlich had previously presented a petition with 1,460 signatures requesting a moratorium on data centers, which the City Administrator accepted. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission stated they did not want a moratorium, preferring local regulations instead.
Beehler consulted lawyers to draft the new ban petition, citing the lack of acknowledgment for the moratorium petition and citizen input during the ordinance drafting process. The data center ordinance draft was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission with six changes, but it has not yet been reviewed or approved by the Mandan City Commission.