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.

No to NDAs? Proposals demanding more data center transparency gain bipartisan support
Bills banning non-disclosure agreements and requiring local governments to release more information about proposed data center projects are earning bipartisan support at the Minnesota Legislature.
Controversy over data centers in Minnesota leads to calls for statewide moratorium, new regulations
Opponents of the massive projects say the measures the Legislature passed last year aren’t enough to protect communities, residents and the environment from potential negative impacts. They’re calling for a two-year moratorium on new data centers and other restrictions.
 Eagan places 1-year pause on new data center developments
The Eagan City Council voted on Tuesday to pause new data center developments for one year to study the impacts of data centers. The moratorium may be the first-of-its-kind in Minnesota.
What to know about data centers in Minnesota
Mega data centers are being proposed across Minnesota. But they use a lot of water and electricity. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about why these projects are creating so much debate and what you need to know.
Lawsuit challenges Pine Island’s scrutiny of data center
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy argues the city’s review lacks basic details, including potential impacts of its water and energy use. MCEA has also recently challenged reviews of data centers in Lakeville, North Mankato and Faribault.
Water-guzzling data centers spark worries for Minnesota’s groundwater
A single large data center can use millions of gallons of water a day, as much as thousands of homes. But pinpointing exactly how many are being built and how much water they’ll use can be a challenge, even for state regulators.