Comedians lend support to Hermantown data center opposition

Comedians Charlie Berens and Mary Mack joined local residents and scientists at an event organized by 'Stop the Hermantown Data Center' to voice strong opposition to Google's proposed 1.2-million-square-foot data center in Hermantown, Minnesota. Berens emphasized the importance of residents, not big tech, determining the future of Minnesota, while Mack, who has roots in the area, highlighted Duluth's 'stubborn' disposition as an asset in fighting the project.

The event featured concerns from various panelists. Rebecca Gilbertson, a Hermantown resident and psychology professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, characterized the data center industry as 'extractive,' particularly regarding land resources. Geologist Lori Huntoon from Wisconsin challenged Google's claims of minimal water usage with 'closed-loop' cooling systems, raising alarms about potential contamination to the local watershed, which feeds into the St. Louis River and Lake Superior.

St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm, representing western Duluth, announced that St. Louis County is developing a comprehensive plan. She sees this as a crucial opportunity to implement safeguards and potentially a moratorium on data center developments, citing community organizing efforts as a source of hope against the undue influence of billionaires. Google, for its part, estimates the project would create 1,500-2,000 construction jobs and at least 40 full-time positions with above-average county wages, maintaining that the data center would use very little water beyond basic facility needs.