Carlton County board advances data center moratorium after community pushback
Carlton County's Board of Commissioners is advancing an interim use ordinance to enact a data center moratorium following significant community pushback. A grassroots group, "Carlton County Land Stewards," urged the board to pause development to research the potential impacts of data centers. The board voted to move the ordinance forward, with a final vote anticipated in August.
The Carlton County Board is moving forward with a proposed moratorium on data center development following significant community pushback. Residents expressed strong opinions during a recent board meeting, prompting action on the issue.
The grassroots organization "Carlton County Land Stewards," which previously formed to oppose an Enbridge pipeline, presented to the Board of Commissioners. The group urged the board to thoroughly research the potential impacts of data centers and requested a moratorium on new data center development within the county.
In response, Commissioner Susan Zmyslony introduced an interim use ordinance designed to pause data center establishment. This pause would allow the county to investigate the possible effects of such developments. The board voted to advance this ordinance, though not unanimously, with one dissenting vote.
Economic Development Director Ryan Pervenance voiced concerns about the county limiting future development opportunities, especially given the absence of any current data center proposals. However, community members in attendance reiterated their belief that a temporary halt is crucial to protect the well-being of the county and its residents. A final vote to enact the ordinance is expected in August, with a public hearing vote scheduled for next week.