Mankato Free Press publishes an editorial about communities and data centers

Upcoming discussions on data center moratoriums by Mankato and North Mankato stand as wise first steps in understanding the economic and community impact of these technologically advanced, new-age developments.

There is no comparison to other local developments that might offer clues on data center impact. New energy, water and power requirements will affect neighbors and the community at large. Sound and lighting can be issues in massive projects that cover sometimes as much as 4 million square feet. In fact, the energy used by data centers can impact large energy needs by business and consumers during extreme hot weather.

Data center developers were asked to be prepared to use their backup power during the recent East Coast heat wave. Much of that backup power is diesel driven and creates emissions that can be harmful.

Proposed data centers around the state have drawn public and legal attention with citizens opposing them in many places while groups such as the Minnesota Center for Environment Advocacy have filed suits in a number of cases. Judges have ruled in cases in Faribault and Pine Island that local officials didn’t conduct proper environmental reviews, and the projects have been halted.

Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount and Minneapolis also have imposed data center moratoriums. The Mankato City Council voted unanimously for a moratorium and will conduct a public hearing July 13. North Mankato City Council discussed a moratorium at its Monday council work session and is considering a study on implications of a moratorium.

But data center developers also have struck back, suing Eagan as developers say the city overstepped its authority when it set a moratorium on data centers that used more than 9 megawatts of power. Developers Eagan Capital claims only the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission can regulate power.

These examples offer even more reasons for cities to move forward cautiously and with care for the legal consequences of their actions. We hope both Mankato and North Mankato can get legal advice from experts in this field beyond what their own legal advisers can provide.