Judge grants temporary restraining order to halt Pine Island data center construction
A Goodhue County judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt construction of a data center, known as Project Skyway, in Pine Island, Minnesota. The order prevents Ryan Companies US, Inc. from beginning or continuing construction activities. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) requested the TRO to preserve the status quo, citing the City's issuance of a Conditional Use Permit and planned July 2026 construction start.
A Goodhue County judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the construction of a data center, known as Project Skyway, in Pine Island, Minnesota. The court order, filed on Friday, specifically enjoins Ryan Companies US, Inc., the developer, from initiating or continuing any construction within the Project Skyway Alternative Urban Areawide Review study area.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is the plaintiff in the case and must post a $2,000 security deposit for the TRO to take effect. MCEA argued for the TRO to 'preserve the status quo' given that the City of Pine Island had already issued a Conditional Use Permit for Project Skyway and construction was slated to begin in July 2026.
While the Conditional Use Permit was issued, MCEA's legal action has temporarily paused the project. A new hearing in the case has not yet been scheduled.