As data center developer eyes Carlton County, residents urge moratorium

Residents of Carlton County, Minnesota, are advocating for a moratorium on AI data center development in Silver Brook Township following news that a commercial real estate developer, Greg Follmer of Duluth, is considering the area for a large data center. Follmer, representing an unnamed land developer, revealed that Silver Brook is one of three potential sites in northeastern Minnesota for a 1-million-square-foot facility, though it is the least preferred due to zoning. During a packed town hall meeting, resident John Dugan, who organized the event, distributed a petition urging State Rep. Jeff Dotseth and State Sen. Jason Rarick to support state legislation for an AI data center moratorium. Concerns raised by residents included potential environmental threats to aquifers, wetlands, air quality, and emissions, as well as a perceived lack of federal regulation for the rapidly expanding AI industry. While some residents like Kyle Stollan acknowledged the inevitability of AI and potential economic benefits, others, including Burnell Peterson and Mary Munn, expressed skepticism and warned of unforeseen problems. Carlton County Commissioner Susan Zmyslony, County Administrator Dennis Genereau, and Economic Development Director Ryan Pervenanze attended the meeting, encouraging residents to engage with the county's ongoing 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Follmer maintained that the proposed data center would not require excessive water and would employ about 100 technicians, but residents like 11-year-old Claire Gilbertson remained unconvinced of its community benefits.