Indivisible Bemidji to host hyperscale data center informational event April 22

Indivisible Bemidji is organizing a public informational event on April 22 concerning the environmental and communal impacts of hyperscale data centers. The event, titled "Hyperscale Data Centers: What to Know," will take place at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Indian Community Development Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. Attorney Luke Norquist from the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) will be the featured speaker. Norquist is currently spearheading three MCEA lawsuits related to data centers and will detail the organization's legal and legislative efforts to mitigate their environmental effects. The event aims to address concerns that community members often lack sufficient information about proposed data centers, particularly regarding their significant energy and water consumption, potential groundwater depletion, and reliance on mining for components. Organizers note instances where city officials have approved proposals without adequate environmental impact studies or public input, emphasizing the need for proactive education. While city manager Rich Spiczka confirmed in March that there are no current data center plans for Bemidji itself, the event seeks to prepare the community for broader trends of data center development across Minnesota. The informational session is co-sponsored by Citizens’ Climate Lobby Bemidji Chapter, Sacred Bundle, and Bemidji State's sustainability office.