Data Center Moratoriums Should Lead to Better Evidence, Not Just More Waiting
Barnes County is considering the future of its data-center moratorium as communities face challenges evaluating projects before developers disclose sufficient information. Persistence Analytics Group LLC recommends requiring evidence of utility capacity, financing, construction feasibility and enforceable economic commitments before major public decisions are made.
Barnes County is weighing what to do with its data-center moratorium, prompting Persistence Analytics Group LLC to call for a more evidence-based review process. The firm says land purchases, projected electricity demand, job estimates and other developer representations should not be treated as proof that a project is financially or operationally viable.
Persistence Analytics founder Neil P. Osnato said confidentiality agreements may protect private negotiations but should not prevent officials from understanding what has been verified, what remains conditional and who would bear the consequences of project changes. The firm does not take a position for or against data centers or moratoriums, but says the time provided by a moratorium should be used to establish clear requirements for infrastructure, financial and community-impact information.