MPR reports…

Opponents of so-called hyperscale data centers are calling on Minnesota lawmakers to adopt stronger regulations this session, including a two-year pause in new construction.

They say requirements for data centers that the Legislature passed last year aren’t enough to protect communities, residents and the environment from the potential negative impacts of the mega-sized facilities.

“We have no regulatory framework in place to protect our communities and the environment from the detrimental impacts of these facilities,” Eleanor Dolan of Duluth said at a rally Wednesday at the state Capitol.

Data centers are large warehouses that store computer servers and power artificial intelligence. The largest ones cover over a million square feet — the equivalent of dozens of football fields.

Data center developers promise they’ll bring jobs, economic growth and tax revenue. But opponents have voiced concerns about the vast amount of energy and water they consume, plus potential air, noise and light pollution.

Only one hyperscale data center — a Meta facility in Rosemount — is currently under construction in Minnesota. But there are at least a dozen proposed in the state.

Several are in the south Twin Cities metro. But others are in small cities, such as Hermantown, Pine Island and Cannon Falls.