Hometown Source reports on view of data centers in Lonsdale…

Data centers have become one of the most contentious issues across the nation, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raising concerns about water use, energy consumption and transparency as more projects are proposed across southern Minnesota.

Sen. Bill Lieske (R-Lonsdale) said data centers are “definitely right up there next to the fraud discussion and the affordability discussion” among the issues he hears about from constituents.

Another local elected official chimes in too…

Rep. Kristi Pursell (DFL-Northfield) said she has focused on water usage because of her expertise in that area, as the former executive director of Clean River Partners. She noted that data centers have been “deeply unpopular” in Farmington, where residents have organized against a proposed project.

“I love to see grassroots organizing, especially if it’s against multi-billion dollar corporations,” Pursell said. “They should have a say.”

Non-disclosure agreements

One of the key issues Pursell highlighted is the use of non-disclosure agreements, which prevent public officials from discussing details of data center negotiations. She called them “literally antithetical to our democracy.”

The topic is coming up on both sides of the aisle…

Both lawmakers agreed that data centers are part of the future and cannot simply be banned outright. But they also agreed that thoughtful regulation is needed.

“We need data centers. The reality is we’re all moving in the direction of these higher-level technologies,” Lieske said. “We have to be able to be prepared at all costs. But I’m not saying to sacrifice our health and our neighborhoods.”

Pursell was more skeptical of the industry’s long-term value.