Blandin on Broadband

News and information on broadband use, policy, and trends

Blandin on Broadband

EPA proposal could make it harder for the public to learn about and comment on proposed AI data centers 

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The St Paul Pioneer Press reports...

A plan by the Environmental Protection Agency could make it harder for the public to learn about and comment on proposed AI data centers that have sparked backlash in communities across the United States and transformed the midterm election landscape.

The EPA proposal would eliminate a federal requirement that states notify the public and seek comment before issuing air pollution permits for data centers and other industrial facilities. States could still offer opportunities for public comment, but the EPA would no longer mandate them as a condition for states to grant permits.

Critics say the move could thwart local residents from learning about proposed data centers or making their voices heard before projects are approved and construction begins. The move comes during a widespread backlash as tech giants build hundreds of massive server warehouses to fuel artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Faribault is working to have data center standards finalized by November 20226 (Rice County)

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The Faribault Daily News reports...

About two months after the Faribault City Council extended Archer’s timeline to complete an updated environmental assessment worksheet to March 2027, the planning commission is now planning to bring its plan to the council by November.

“This helps put together things in a timely manner,” City Planning Manager Harry Davis said. “We’re not just sitting here spinning our wheels thinking what to do next.”

The meeting focused on laying out the different standards with one question hanging over the commissioners’ heads: How can the city avoid a lawsuit?

“The city attorney will be asking if this is something we can regulate. If he says no, that’s not likely going to be a staff recommendation,” Davis said. “We’re generally trying to make sure the city doesn’t get sued.”

The environmental commission is meeting in September…

The environmental commission will have a meeting on Sept. 28 to approve its contributions to send to the planning commission. During the meeting, Davis told the commissioners there may be some regulations the environmental commission puts forward that will not be legally viable to incorporate.

The working document’s purpose statement reads the commissioners are not there to discuss whether they agree or disagree with data centers nor if a project should be approved.

“The city can’t cross their arms and say, ‘no, thank you. We don’t want one,’” Commissioner Chuck Ackman said. “I think it’s incumbent on us that we do our job and have reasonable development standards in place in case they need to go down that path.”

Local Harmony residents want the City to slow data center regulation decisions (Fillmore County)

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KTTC reports…

Although no official project has been confirmed, the city of Harmony is drafting local regulations to prepare for any potential data center development. However, many residents in this close-knit Highway 52 community are raising concerns about the speed at which elected leaders are moving.

With a population of just over 1,000 people, residents want to ensure that any changes to the city code reflect the needs of the community first and foremost.

“If we have an ordinance, we have to honor the rules,” said Harmony resident Michael Himlie. “I’m not sure it reads that way in the current draft.”

Under the proposed ordinance, developers would be blocked from future expansions of any data center site without explicit city approval. To address potential noise issues, the city is considering requirements for sound barriers and berms next to residential areas.

While some residents say they appreciate the discussion of safety and quality-of-life safeguards, they want city officials to slow down the review process.

Trump Administration and tech CEOs ask G-20 to adopt pro-AI policies

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Quoting from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society’s recap of an article in the Wall Street Journal…

Tech executives and Trump administration officials urged policymakers from other leading economies to minimize artificial-intelligence regulations, arguing that strict rules could strangle an industry capable of supercharging global growth and curing diseases. Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX were among the speakers at a Group of 20 summit focused on innovation and technology, and they cautioned that aggressive regulations could limit the benefits of AI. Their message was echoed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, White House AI adviser David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, who said the administration’s light-touch strategy is boosting the economy. “Don’t regulate hypothetical, theoretical harm. Regulate actual and pragmatic harm,” Huang told officials from the G-20 countries, adding that tech advancements such as advanced model training to make models more accurate are making AI safer than regulations proposed by the Biden administration and others.

Paul Bunyan Communications shares their plans for Lifeline Awareness Week (Sep 7-13, 2026)

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Paul Bunyan shares their plans for Lifeline Awareness Week…

Paul Bunyan Communications and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are promoting Lifeline Awareness Week, September 7-13.
Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to all residents. Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s voice and broadband networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency. For some, being connected can be the difference between social connection and complete isolation.
Paul Bunyan Communications wants residents to get and stay connected and promotes Lifeline throughout the year to raise awareness about the program that provides assistance to those who need voice and/or broadband services but can’t afford it. “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week,” September 7-13 is another opportunity to highlight this important assistance program.
“We promote the Lifeline program a lot because want to make sure all our membership and those who live within our service area know about it and the benefit it can provide. This program can help those struggling to afford Internet services get and stay connected” said Chad Bullock, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO.
Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency. Under the federal Lifeline program, low-income consumers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or qualify based on income can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service, up to $5.25 for voice-only service, and up to a total of $34.25 per month for residents of qualifying Tribal lands. More information on program eligibility and rules is available at http://www.lifelinesupport.org. An American Sign Language video on Lifeline is available at

Full details on upcoming study on data centers in Carlton County

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I wrote about the moratorium on data centers in Carlton County last week when it happened. This week, the Moose Lake Star Gazette has published all of the details on the moratorium and planned study. I won’t share them all; you can find them in full in the original article…

Below is Interim Ordinance #42 – Carlton County Data Center Interim Use Study adopted by the Carlton County Board of Commissioners 

August 24, 2026.

Article I. General Provisions and Definitions

Section 1.1 Purpose

This Ordinance places a one-year pause on the creation or expansion of data centers in Carlton County, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 394.34. The purpose of this pause is to protect the planning process as the County studies data centers and their impacts and its official controls and the need for possible amendments to its official controls to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of citizens.  Additionally, this ordinance will allow time for the completion of the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Planning process that began in 2025. 

 

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce announces support for the proposed Google data center in Hermantown ( St. Louis County)

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FOX21 Duluth reports…

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its support for the proposed Google data center in Hermantown.

In a press release Wednesday, the Chamber says they have formally adopted a resolution supporting the proposed Google Data Center Project in Hermantown.

They cite the project’s potential to strengthen the region’s economic base, advance technology infrastructure, and support future growth as reasons for the support.

“We believe the proposed Hermantown Data Center represents a significant investment not only in technology and economic development, but in the infrastructure and community assets that will support future growth. As a regional business organization, we have a responsibility to advocate for opportunities that strengthen our economy and create the conditions for businesses and communities to thrive,” said Pat deGrood, chair of the Board of Directors at the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and vice president of commercial services, The Jamar Company.

EVENT Sep 14-16: Agenda – Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum in Owatonna

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Here’s the brief description of the upcoming Rooted & Rising conference from the website…

Where Rural Leaders Unite to Spark Ideas, Strengthen Partnerships and Power Lasting Community Impact.

The logistics:

September 14, 2026 – September 16, 2026
5:00 PM-1:00 PM CST

Steele County Four Seasons Centre
1525 S Elm Ave
Owatonna, MN 55060

There are several sessions that I thought might interest some readers, and at least one that’s focused on broadband:

  • Infrastructure Track: Broadband, Energy, and the Infrastructure to Grow (Panel)

Marshall Independent looks a local views on federal funding for local schools (E-Rate)

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The Marshall Independent reports…

Internet access has become a vital resource for public school districts and libraries. It’s something that goes beyond the classroom too, Marshall Public Schools staff said last week. Everything from communications and security systems to HVAC systems in schools also use internet connections.

“It’s not just about the internet. It’s the connectivity,” said MPS Director of Operations Tricia Stelter.

Education and technology workers said that’s a major reason why they’re concerned that the Federal Communications Commission is reviewing the federal E-Rate program, which gives schools discounts on internet service. Earlier this summer, the FCC said it will take comments on ways that the program can be updated – including whether it should be reformed or eliminated.

The article goes on to share comments from educators and others from Marshall and Lyons counties on their concerns about the future of the E-Rate program…

Sumption said about 32 school districts across southwest Minnesota, and most of the libraries in the Plum Creek regional library system, are affected by the E-Rate program. On average, they receive a total of about $2.24 million a year in E-Rate funding, he said.

Sumption said the E-Rate program has been “an equalizer” for schools and libraries around Minnesota.

“It’s just helped level the playing field, and gives everyone the chance to connect up,” he said.

Staff from both Marshall Public Schools and SWWC said E-Rate funding has a big impact on area schools.

State Broadband Offices, including in Minnesota, are waiting for guidance on BEAD funding

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KOSU Public Radio reports...

State officials are waiting for guidance on how they can spend billions of federal dollars earmarked for rural broadband projects.

The federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment, or BEAD, Program is meant to help states connect far-flung places to high speed internet. Congress allocated about $42 billion for BEAD in 2023 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It was the largest investment in federal broadband infrastructure in the nation’s history.

They spoke with the MN Office of Broadband Development…

Minnesota received $652 million through BEAD – which is not enough to connect the rest of the state, said Bree Maki, the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development’s executive director. She’s waiting for instructions for how she can spend about $270 million.

“We also know that weather in Minnesota is a big factor and so, just trying to maximize the construction season and when the non-deployment comes out, you know, we’ll deal with it,” Maki said. “We have always worked hard to meet deadlines and the requirements in front of us. I wish I could predict that, because then I would go hit the lottery up.”

She’s also unsure how an executive order on artificial intelligence signed by President Donald Trump last year might impact access to the leftover BEAD money. The order says that states with “onerous AI laws” are ineligible for the funds, but that definition remains unclear, Maki said.

There has been frustration with BEAD, but Maki said the mission of getting even one person connected to reliable broadband keeps her office motivated. Her state has other broadband projects in the works too, and she is confident they will keep moving forward.

“Sometimes, I think, in all the noise we forget how meaningful that is,” Maki said.

 

 FCC Commissioner outlines four principles that have guided the US approach to communications policy

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In a Keynote speech in Colombia, FCC Commissioner Olivia Britt Trusty outlines four principles that have guided the US approach to communications policy…

This afternoon, I will discuss four principles that have guided much of the United States’ approach to communications policy and have helped to enable the vibrant and prosperous digital ecosystem we benefit from today. Those principles include the following:

Principle 1: Successful digital markets depend upon sustained investment into resilient, adaptable, secure, and trusted communications infrastructure;

Principle 2: Robust competition is essential to continuous innovation and consumer choice;

Principle 3: Innovation flourishes when regulation remains flexible and can adapt alongside technological change; and

Principle 4: International cooperation is strongest when it advances our shared interests while respecting each nation’s sovereignty, laws, and institutions.

Pew reports that half of Americans say they spend too much time on their smartphone

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Pew Research Center reports...

Between scrolling, notifications, and messages, smartphones can be hard to put down. Just over half of U.S. adults say they spend too much time on their smartphone, according to a Pew Research Center survey from May and June 2026. About a third of adults say their smartphone use is about right, while just 3% say they spend too little time using these devices.

Monticello Tech set to pay city costs for data center review (Wright County)

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Monticello Times reports…

As Monticello Tech’s proposed data center moves into detailed city review, the developer — not city taxpayers — will pick up the tab for outside costs associated with evaluating the project.

The City Council on Aug. 24 approved an escrow agreement with Monticello Tech for review of its proposed 550-acre technology campus south of 85th Street NE and east of Highway 25.

The agreement establishes a developer-funded account the city can draw from as its planners, engineers, environmental consultants and attorneys dig into the proposal. City policy requires such agreements for commercial and industrial land use applications involving more than 51 acres.

Monticello Tech must initially deposit $10,000 into the account.

If the balance drops below $5,000, the developer must replenish it as directed by the city — or the city can halt its review until more money is deposited.

More info...

City staff initially determined the developer’s July 6 land use applications were incomplete. Monticello Tech submitted a substantially revised package Aug. 3 and supplemental materials Aug. 11, and the city has since determined it has enough information to begin evaluating the proposal itself.

Monticello Tech is seeking three approvals during the current phase: rezoning for a Data Center Planned Unit Development, a conditional use permit and a preliminary plat.

The developer is proposing an approximately 3 million-square-foot technology campus that could ultimately include as many as eight data center buildings constructed in phases over several years.

Bemidji Planning Board continues to discuss data center moratorium and will again on Sep 14, 2026 (Beltrami County)

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KAXE reports…

A one-year moratorium on data centers larger than 10,000 square feet is moving through the steps of the approval process in Bemidji.

The Bemidji Planning Commission hosted a public hearing during its sparsely attended meeting Thursday, Aug. 27. The commission is made up of volunteer citizens, who unanimously recommended approval of the moratorium.

Planning Director Jamin Carlson said the city’s legal team put together the ordinance under consideration. He said most moratoriums are in place for a year or less.

The discussion started a while back…

The Bemidji Planning Board discussed a data center moratorium during its Aug. 10 meeting. The Planning Board is a different body than the Commission, which is advisory only. The Board consists of members of the Bemidji City Council.

And will continue…

Bemidjians will have another opportunity to comment on the data center moratorium at the next Planning Board meeting on Sept. 14.

 

Coon Rapids Police detail work 911 works for calls and how AI helps with non-emergency calls (Anoka County)

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MinneapoliMedia reports...

Coon Rapids police are reminding residents what happens when they call 911, when they should instead use Anoka County’s non-emergency line, and how a newer artificial intelligence-assisted system now fits into the county’s emergency communications operation.

They do it all in a clean graphic.