To address data centers, River Falls City Council going with ‘silent moratorium’
The River Falls City Council informally agreed not to approve a data center for roughly six months while it reviews city ordinances, an approach described as a “silent moratorium.” Residents and some council members oppose a potential hyperscale AI data center because of possible environmental, water, noise, infrastructure and quality-of-life impacts, although no specific proposal has been submitted.
The River Falls City Council decided it would not approve a data center in the near term while reviewing zoning and other city ordinances. Council members did not formally enact a moratorium because the meeting agenda allowed only discussion, but Mayor Alison Page said the council’s consensus was to avoid approving proposals until the city’s rules are ready.
Residents voiced strong opposition to a potential hyperscale AI data center, citing environmental damage, water and land protection, noise, light pollution, infrastructure demands and possible effects on tourism and quality of life. Page said the city has received an inquiry from a major data company but has no specific proposal or nondisclosure agreement, while City Administrator Scot Simpson said the only local area suitable for a hyperscale facility, Mann Valley, would require new transmission lines. The council left the matter unresolved and plans to continue reviewing regulations and discussing the issue at future meetings.