Environmental groups sue Hermantown, Google, over data center review
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Stop the Hermantown Data Center sued over the environmental review for Google’s proposed data center in Hermantown. The groups argue that the city’s alternative urban area review violated state law, while the Hermantown City Council has approved permits and resolutions allowing the project to proceed.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and the grassroots group Stop the Hermantown Data Center filed a lawsuit in St. Louis County challenging Hermantown’s second alternative urban area review for Google’s proposed data center. MCEA staff attorney Abigail Hencheck said the city and Google prioritized speed over a legally adequate environmental process and argued that the project should receive state-level review similar to Google’s Pine Island proposal.
Hermantown approved its first AUAR in 2025 and a second review, prepared with Google’s assistance, in August. The City Council later approved key permits and resolutions after resident opposition, while opponents Emma Richtman and Candi Mock won seats on the council and are expected to take office in January. City communications director Joe Wicklund declined comment because of the active litigation.