Carlton County Board sets data center moratorium hearing
The Carlton County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for August 24 to discuss a proposed one-year moratorium on data center construction within the county. The proposal comes after grassroots organizers and residents raised concerns about potential impacts, particularly regarding a data center being considered in Silver Brook Township. The moratorium would also authorize a study on additional regulations for data centers.
The Carlton County Board of Commissioners in Minnesota will hold a public hearing on August 24 at 4:15 p.m. to consider a proposed one-year moratorium on data center construction within Carlton County. This decision was made unanimously by commissioners after a lengthy discussion last week.
The proposed ordinance, initiated by grassroots organizers and concerned residents, aims to temporarily halt data center development while the county conducts a study to determine if additional regulations are necessary. Residents have expressed alarm following news that Silver Brook Township, located on the county's eastern edge, is one of three potential sites for a new data center.
Commissioner Susan Zmyslony stated that an interim ordinance would help prevent data centers from negatively impacting other land uses, the environment, public health, safety, and welfare. However, Carlton County Economic Development Director Ryan Pervenanze cautioned against the moratorium, and County Attorney Jeff Boucher is investigating whether the ordinance would legally apply to smaller jurisdictions within the county before it proceeds to a board vote.