The Pine County News reports...

A Pine County moratorium on data center developments has been extended to 12 months after the county board heard public testimony overwhelmingly calling for a longer pause.

The board previously adopted an interim ordinance to authorize a six-month moratorium on July 7 but did not hold a public hearing at the time.

According to county administrator Kelly Schroeder, Pine County has not received any inquiries regarding a possible data center project.

“This was something that was brought forward from the zoning board just as a proactive measure,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder said a moratorium gives the county time to study the topic and determine how best to move forward.

There was a public meeting…

Pine County residents voiced a multitude of concerns regarding data centers during the public hearing on Aug. 18.

Those ranged from light and noise pollution, environmental and ecological impacts, water usage, long-term economic viability, transparency in decision-making, and the length of time needed for a work group to study regulations and make recommendations.

And then they voted…

Commissioner Roger Nelson made the motion to reaffirm the interim ordinance authorizing the moratorium, extending it to 12 months with an effective start date of Aug. 18.

The motion was seconded by commissioner Matt Ludwig, and the vote passed unanimously.