Data centers have been an increasingly hot topic for the last year and more. I’ve posted informational articles, events (announcements and notes), decisions and counter decisions. People are learning more. There seem to be few absolutes but a wide range of opinions and levels of passion. I think it’s valuable to look at all sides because each community and each proposal is unique. In that spirit, I have been collecting editorials that have crossed my transom with minimal curation in the last month to share with readers in chronological order.
It’s meant as a quick scan of what topics are rising to the top for others. I will likely continue to collect and post in the future.
Letter to the Editor: Stop the data center
Jul 17 2026, Cannon Falls Beacon
“This is not a Red hat vs Blue hat issue. This is an economic and environmental issue. Data Centers have proven to be horrible neighbors, taking far, far more than they give communities. Big Tech is fully aware of that, too, which is why they come in so stealthily with high pressure, manipulative campaigns that promise way more than they ever deliver.”
T. Matthew Robinson-Aguirre letter: Data centers are the litmus test for local elections
July 18, 2026 West Central Tribune
“The letter author writes of his opposition to any data center in Kandiyohi County.”
Port: Regulatory filings show Ellendale data center benefited power customers by over $38.4M
July 20, 2026, InForum
“The opponents of data centers want us to believe that there is no way to build them responsibly. That is demonstrably untrue.”
In Response: Arguments for data centers don’t stand up in Hermantown – Duluth News Tribune
July 23, 206, Duluth News Tribune
From the column: “Iron Range development officials ought to be begging for data centers to reuse … abandoned mine operations.”
COMMENTARY: 8 Claims You’re Hearing About Hyperscale Data Center Proposals, and What We Know Right Now
July 24, 2026, Minnesota Women’s Press
From Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Letter: Tech investments create good jobs
July 25, 2026Post Bulletin
The writer is regulatory affairs coordinator for IUOE Local 49.
Minnesota can’t afford to turn away infrastructure of the future
July 26, 2026, Worthington Globe
Opinion by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, and Tom Dicklich, Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council executive director
National View: Expect more data center moratoriums — and slower growth
July 30, 2026, Duluth News Tribune
From the column: “Some people are even willing to forgo a cure for cancer to slow down AI.”
Column: Data center explosion needs human deliberation
July 30, 2026 Hometown Sources
From the column: “Every city and county in Minnesota should give this issue a lot of thought, as the possibility that it could land in your lap someday soon is quite real.”
Reader’s View: Resist data centers by getting offline
Aug 5, 2026 Duluth News Tribune
But this convenience has created in us an intolerance to ever being inconvenienced
In Response: Environmental review isn’t obstruction — it’s the law
Aug 7, 2026 Duluth News Tribune
From the column: “Hyperscale data center proposals continue to make the mistake of trying to shortcircuit our environmental laws and deny our residents their right to have a meaningful say.”
Letter: Don’t overlook air pollution from data centers
Aug 8, 2026, Post Bulletin Rochester
From the letter: “Air pollution can travel hundreds of miles — look no further than the recent Boundary Waters smoke.”
Letter: Embrace economic opportunity of data centers
Aug 11, 2026, Post Bulletin
The writer is a member of Local 1382 of the Mid-America Regional Council of Carpenters.
Chisago County Commissioners vote to impose a one-year moratorium on applications
Aug 13, 2026, St Paul Pioneer Press
“Whatever the fate of data centers, such steps will only accelerate American spacefaring and innovation. There’s little to lose and a universe to gain.”
Darlene Kotelnicki letter: Thank you for your data center concerns letter
Aug 16 2026, West Central Tribune
“I currently sit on the Litchfield City Council and requested this topic be put on our agenda recently.”
Minnesota Opinion: With updates, NewRange mine a better project
Aug 17, 2026, West Central Tribune
From the editorial: “Minnesota’s environmental review and permitting process (is) working as intended — allowing science, engineering, and public input to refine a project as new information emerges.”