Residents gather to discuss changes to proposed data center ordinance for Mandan
The City of Mandan, North Dakota, is revising its proposed data center ordinance following public concerns. The updated draft includes stricter environmental and acoustic tests, though residents continue to express frustration over potential impacts on water and air quality and feel the regulations are insufficient.
Mandan, North Dakota, is undergoing revisions to its proposed data center ordinance in response to significant public feedback. A community meeting held at Mandan High School allowed residents to provide input on the updated draft, which expands the document by 15 pages and introduces more stringent environmental and acoustic testing requirements for new data center projects before construction approval.
Residents at the meeting voiced strong frustrations regarding the proposed changes. One resident even suggested data centers belong on the moon, while others expressed concerns about potential impacts on local water resources and increased dust storms. There was a sentiment among the public that current regulations might not be adequately enforced, with one participant stating, "it's just a slap on the hand when they do something wrong. No one is stopping them. We need to stand up together and fight."