Minneapolis City Council to Vote on Proposed Data Center Moratorium
The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to vote on a one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers on May 21, following a strong procedural vote in favor. Council members are debating the moratorium's potential impacts on responsible growth, environmental justice, and local economic development. This local effort parallels a proposed statewide moratorium in Minnesota.
The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote on May 21 on a proposed interim ordinance that would establish a citywide one-year moratorium on new, re-established, or expanded data centers. The ordinance, authored by Council Members Aurin Chowdhury (Ward 12) and Jason Chavez (Ward 9), aims to halt permitting and zoning approvals while staff prepare analysis and recommendations on development standards.
A procedural vote on April 24 saw a motion to kill the ordinance fail eight to five, indicating strong support for moving forward. Proponents like Council Member Chowdhury emphasize the need for nimble local government to ensure responsible growth and community protection amid rapid industry changes. Council Member Chavez also links the moratorium to environmental justice concerns, citing federal policy and the history of contaminated sites in neighborhoods like East Phillips.
Opponents, including Council Members Michael Rainville (Ward 3) and Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7), argue that Minneapolis's northern climate offers natural air-cooling advantages, reducing water demand. They also point to current low downtown electric demand and the potential for well-paid union jobs. Shaffer has criticized a blanket moratorium as a "blunt tool" that sends unclear market signals. The Minneapolis vote follows the recent approval of a one-year data center moratorium in Inver Grove Heights, another Minnesota city, and coincides with the conclusion of the state legislative cycle, where Minnesota House File 4888 proposes a statewide data center moratorium.