Pine County board rejects proposed moratorium on data centers

The Pine County Board of Commissioners has rejected a proposed interim ordinance that would have placed temporary restrictions on data center developments within the county. The ordinance, introduced by the Pine County Zoning Board, aimed to provide a one-year period for the county to study and develop appropriate regulations addressing data center impacts, particularly concerning energy and water usage. County Administrator Kelly Schroeder highlighted that data centers have become a significant topic, prompting the zoning board to be proactive in understanding potential regulations. Commissioner Matt Ludwig motioned to approve the moratorium, citing high electricity and water consumption by data centers, but the motion failed to receive a second. Commissioners Steve Hallan and Roger Nelson expressed reservations about moratoriums, with Hallan stating they are not the proper way to govern. This local decision occurs as Minnesota experiences increased interest in data center development, especially beyond the Twin Cities due to factors like cheaper land and strong power transmission. The article also notes broader opposition efforts at the state level, including a push for legislation to ban non-disclosure agreements between local officials and developers, and a statewide moratorium bill introduced by Senator Jennifer McEwen. Existing state legislation requires data centers to connect with the DNR regarding water supply, restricts utilities from passing data center energy costs onto other customers, and mandates contributions for low-income energy conservation, though opponents argue these measures do not go far enough.