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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.

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

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Judge halts construction of Pine Island’s hyperscale data center

Judge halts construction of Pine Island’s hyperscale data center

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy sued developer Ryan Cos. and the city of Pine Island, arguing that the environmental review of the data center known as “Project Skyway” was inadequate. A judge agree to temporarily halt construction until the case is decided.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Hermantown tables vote on key agreements for contentious Google data center

Hermantown tables vote on key agreements for contentious Google data center

The Hermantown City Council voted Monday night to table a decision on a tax break and development plan for a proposed Google data center. The project promises to provide tens of millions of dollars for the city and schools — but has bitterly divided residents.
by Dan Kraker

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Tax breaks for data centers? Minnesota cities weigh incentives to lure the mega-projects 

Tax breaks for data centers? Minnesota cities weigh incentives to lure the mega-projects 

Hermantown officials are expected to vote Monday night on a proposal to extend tax incentives to Google in exchange for city and school funding and infrastructure costs — and the largest private investment in the city’s history.
by Dan Kraker

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In Farmington, a data center project spurs new bonds between the left and the right

In Farmington, a data center project spurs new bonds between the left and the right

Data center development is under scrutiny across Minnesota and at the state Capitol. In Farmington, a proposed hyperscale data center is generating some unexpected bonds between residents on the left and the right.
by Catharine Richert

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Citizens' group files lawsuit to block Google's proposed Hermantown data center

Citizens' group files lawsuit to block Google's proposed Hermantown data center

Stop the Hermantown Data Center has sued the city of Hermantown to try to block a massive data center proposed by Google. The group alleges the city improperly changed zoning rules and violated state open meeting laws.
by Dan Kraker

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City of Monticello sets stage for allowing data centers, with restrictions

City of Monticello sets stage for allowing data centers, with restrictions

The ordinance includes new restrictions for large data centers, which city officials say are aimed at reducing negative impacts on people living nearby. The ordinance also ensures Monticello residents don’t bear any financial costs.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Nobles County Board votes against zoning change, preventing massive data centers

Nobles County Board votes against zoning change, preventing massive data centers

The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to reject a zoning change that would allow data centers to be built on farmland. The county's planning commission also rejected the measure earlier this month as hundreds of local residents voiced opposition.
by Hannah Yang

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Opponents of data centers join with critics of power line proposal in northern Minnesota

Opponents of data centers join with critics of power line proposal in northern Minnesota

Opponents of a massive data center proposed by Google in the small northern Minnesota city of Hermantown are also speaking out against a proposed electric transmission line that advocates argue is needed for the transmission of energy generated from renewable sources.
by Dan Kraker

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