Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

Elk River rejects changing rules to allow data centers

Elk River rejects changing rules to allow data centers

The project would be smaller than hyperscale data centers proposed in other Minnesota communities and promises benefits including jobs and property tax revenue. But many Elk River residents have expressed strong opposition.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Minneapolis data center pause heads back to City Council

Minneapolis data center pause heads back to City Council

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee heard from the public for more than an hour Tuesday before voting 5-1 to recommend the moratorium. Supporters said it will give the city time to draft new regulations on data center construction and expansion.
by Harshawn Ratanpal

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
At Minnesota Capitol, pushback from unions, industry halted new regulations on massive data centers

At Minnesota Capitol, pushback from unions, industry halted new regulations on massive data centers

Opponents hoped the Minnesota Legislature would approve new oversight of large data centers this year, but those bills never gained momentum. Lawmakers adjourned last month without passing any new restrictions.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Appeals court rules against Faribault, says proposed data center needs more environmental study

Appeals court rules against Faribault, says proposed data center needs more environmental study

The city of Faribault decided it did not need to conduct an extensive environmental review of a massive proposed data center. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy appealed the city’s decision.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Data centers roil local politics, spark Hermantown residents to reshape government

Data centers roil local politics, spark Hermantown residents to reshape government

A plan for a massive data center is roiling local politics in Hermantown. Some residents of the town near Duluth have been fighting the proposed facility for months — and their outrage has some leading an effort to reshape how their local government operates.
by Catharine Richert

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!