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Data centers in Minnesota

Giant data centers face a growing backlash around Minnesota. Some residents argue they will destroy their quality of life, ruin property values and harm the environment. But many cities are still competing for the promise of massive economic investments and property tax revenue. MPR News reporters shed light on the debate dividing Minnesota communities.

Rural Voice: Real talk about data centers

Rural Voice: Real talk about data centers

Data centers are a hot topic in rural communities, and southern Minnesota is no exception. MPR News host Kerri Miller heard from many passionate residents when she brought her Rural Voice town hall series to Faribault in late September.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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New tool kit helps Minnesota cities prepare for when big tech's data centers come to town

New tool kit helps Minnesota cities prepare for when big tech's data centers come to town

A new tool kit from researchers at the University of Minnesota will help local government officials better understand the potential risks and benefits of data centers, and potentially avert the controversy that has roiled some communities.
by Molly Castle Work

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Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce voices support for controversial Pine Island data center

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce voices support for controversial Pine Island data center

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the second largest chamber in the state, announced it is formally backing Google’s massive and controversial data center proposal, known as Project Skyway.
by Molly Castle Work

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Ellison: Google’s Pine Island data center could cost Minnesotans millions for electricity

Ellison: Google’s Pine Island data center could cost Minnesotans millions for electricity

Attorney General Keith Ellison says that Google's agreement with Xcel Energy to power a huge, hyperscale data center in Pine Island could leave Xcel's other customers on the hook for millions of dollars in extra costs. Google and Xcel deny that will be the case, saying ratepayers will benefit from cleaner energy powering the data center.
by Molly Castle Work

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Across Minnesota, opposition to data centers is a political campaign season rallying cry

Across Minnesota, opposition to data centers is a political campaign season rallying cry

It's campaign season, and one issue is taking center stage: data centers. In Pine Island, a proposed hyperscale data center prompted a slate of first-time candidates to run for local office.
by Catharine Richert

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Inver Grove Heights exempts data center project from city moratorium

Inver Grove Heights exempts data center project from city moratorium

The project in question — a proposed 55,000-square-foot data center on Carmen Avenue East — had already been in the works when the council approved the one-year data center moratorium.
by MPR News Staff

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Google launches a charm offensive in 2 Minnesota towns as data center opposition grows

Google launches a charm offensive in 2 Minnesota towns as data center opposition grows

The Google meetings come as the company faces uncertainty with both projects. In Hermantown, where the project still needs city council approval, opposition has intensified after recordings leaked of senior officials mocking data center opponents. The Pine Island project is also on hold while a judge considers a lawsuit seeking a more thorough environmental review.
by Dan Kraker and Molly Castle Work

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