Meeting on proposed data center in Duluth's suburb moved following protest
A Hermantown City Council meeting on a proposed Google data center was rescheduled after protests prevented the meeting from taking place. Residents oppose the project over potential air- and water-quality impacts, while the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy is challenging the city over court-mandated notice requirements.
Protests in Hermantown, a Duluth suburb, forced the postponement of a City Council meeting concerning a proposed Google data center. Residents said the project has been pursued without adequate community involvement and raised concerns about its potential effects on air quality and water quality.
The rescheduled meeting follows a court hearing involving the City of Hermantown and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, which alleges that the city failed to meet required public-notice procedures. Even if the council approves the project, Google would still need additional permits from other agencies before construction could begin. A similar environmental review challenge by the group previously halted data center construction in Pine Island.