Heated data center debate results in pause to Hermantown city council meeting
Hermantown City Council approved funding for a consultant to liaise with tribal governments regarding Google's data center proposal. This decision occurred during a heated city council meeting where community members debated the project and expressed disappointment that a planned environmental review was not on the agenda.
The Hermantown City Council in Minnesota experienced a heated debate at its recent meeting concerning Google's proposed data center. Community members, including representatives from "Stop the Hermantown Data Center" and "Yes, MN" (a pro-data center group), voiced strong opinions, with some expressing frustration that the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), a key environmental assessment, was not on the agenda. The meeting briefly recessed due to shouting from attendees.
Despite the contention, the City Council unanimously approved up to $20,000 for Braun Intertech, a consulting service, to facilitate government-to-government discussions with tribal entities. This consultant will act as a liaison during the environmental research and permitting process for Google's data center project, working alongside city officials. A city representative clarified that this contract is for consultation services and is separate from the AUAR process, though it emerged from common courtesy associated with it.