Southern Minnesota News reports…

The Mankato City Council voted Monday night to approve a one-year moratorium on new data centers and other high-impact utility users while city staff studies their potential impact on the community.

The issue drew significant public interest, with residents voicing concerns about water use, agriculture, energy demands, climate impacts, and transparency. Several speakers urged the council not to sign non-disclosure agreements with prospective data center developers, while others argued the projects could bring construction jobs and increased tax revenue.