Nobles County commissioners discuss moratorium, approve drafts for data center

Nobles County commissioners discussed a potential moratorium on data center construction, but ultimately decided it was unnecessary given the current zoning restrictions. They approved drafts of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for a proposed data center near Reading, which will undergo public review by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. Some commissioners wanted more time to review the drafts, but the majority felt the process should move forward. Geronimo Power is proposing the data center project, while the county has hired consultants to assist with the review.