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Tag Archive for: data centers

Can We Design Big Better?

We talked to two Minnesotans engaged in data center design to find out what options developers might have for building sustainability into data centers.

The Business of Building Data Centers

Community members are asking good questions: Are benefits substantial enough to justify tax incentives being given to large corporations? Is the state ensuring that Minnesotans benefit from these projects beyond temporary construction jobs? How can the state push for design choices that align with Minnesota’s environmental values?

An FAQ on EQB (or, how environmental review in Minnesota works)

We’ve been getting many questions from community members about possible data center projects. We hope this FAQ helps you better understand the environmental review process, how it is being used for data centers, and your role.

Staking a Claim on Community Values

Editor's letter and table of contents: Who gets to decide what we value in shared community, what we pay for, and what we want to see from our government?

Protecting Our Wells and Groundwater in Elko New Market

Well owners are seeing the consequences: black and brown water, ruined filtration systems, and long delays in responses from city officials after a municipal pump test harmed private wells.

Forum Summary: Data Centers and Water Use

A November 13 forum Minnesota Women's Press is moderating will be focused on the impact of data centers on Minnesota water.

Cathy Johnson: From Classroom to Unexpected Lobbyist

As a former teacher and a master gardener, Johnson could not have predicted that in 2024 she would step into a significant leadership role, which has included testifying multiple times to the Minnesota legislature.

DATA CENTER SERIES: The Impact on Minnesota Waters

Residents worry that the data center will overshadow their own water needs, especially in the summer months. Tract developers convinced city officials to let data centers use municipal water supplies — despite the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ statutes governing water use — meaning that center water demands will be prioritized alongside domestic use.

My “Bystander” Education in Community Organizing

  I sat down in the last open chair in Cathy…

DEEP DIVE: The Farmington Push for Responsible Hyper-Scale Data Centers

At a recent public meeting hosted by the Minnesota Women’s Press, about 50 residents, legislators, and advocates invited by the Coalition for Responsible Data Centers gathered to discuss the rapid growth of hyper-scale data centers. The conversation centered on a proposed facility in Farmington — a project that could use as much as 2.93 million gallons of water per day — as well as implications statewide for taxpayers and neighborhoods if corporate needs are not regulated.

EXPLAINER: What Minnesotans should learn about data centers

Farmington residents in lawsuit against city for approving large data center without transparency and community input.

COMMENTARY: Why are local energy consumers subsidizing data centers?

The truth is, these data centers will create very few permanent jobs, but will create staggering costs for electricity ratepayers and everyone else across our state.