There are 60 data centers in Minnesota, a moratorium will pause some new ones in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis City Council voted to enact a six-month moratorium on new data centers larger than 350,000 square feet, aiming to study their impacts and update ordinances. This move, similar to those in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, raises concerns about fragmented regulations across Minnesota, prompting calls for state-level action.
The Minneapolis City Council approved an 8-5 vote for a six-month moratorium on new data centers exceeding 350,000 square feet, effective immediately. This decision aims to provide city officials time to study potential environmental, economic, and infrastructure impacts of large data centers and to update existing ordinances. Similar moratoriums have been enacted in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, leading to concerns from organizations like the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy about a fragmented regulatory landscape and calls for statewide legislative action.
While Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council Business Manager Dan McConnell described the council's decision as a "good compromise," he originally preferred no moratorium. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Downtown Council CEO Adam Duininck expressed cautious optimism, viewing data centers as a potential tool for economic investment and tax base recovery, particularly for downtown revitalization, provided they have minimal impact on resources. The city's research will cover data center definitions, global regulations, fiscal implications, utility infrastructure, environmental impacts, and a review of zoning and land use. Public comment opportunities will be available in the coming months.