Carlton County passes one-year moratorium on creation of data centers
Carlton County has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development, aiming to provide time for studies and establish appropriate zoning regulations. This decision follows a public meeting where residents voiced concerns, drawing parallels to a contentious proposed Google data center in Hermantown. The county board emphasized the temporary nature of the pause.
The Carlton County board in Minnesota has enacted a one-year moratorium on the creation of new data centers within the county. The temporary pause is intended to allow officials sufficient time to conduct studies and develop comprehensive zoning regulations specific to data centers, as the county currently lacks experience and regulations for such developments.
The decision came after a public meeting held on August 24, where residents expressed significant concerns. Jeffrey Donahue, a member of the Stop the Hermantown Data Center Committee, urged the board to act proactively, stating, "We need to stop these before they start." Attendees like Allison Hafften shared their experiences living near a proposed Google hyperscale data center in Hermantown, warning Carlton County residents against similar "nightmares."
Steven Schulstrom of the Carlton County Planning and Commission highlighted the county's lack of experience and existing zoning to regulate data centers. While no specific data center proposals are currently on the table for Carlton County, the board seeks to prevent future confusion and ensure preparedness. There is no set timeline yet for the planned study on data centers.