The rapid expansion of data centers has become a political flashpoint in Minnesota, as technology companies seek land, electricity and water to power the infrastructure behind artificial intelligence.
Supporters see an opportunity to attract investment and expand the state’s technology industry. Opponents worry that the enormous facilities could strain local resources, increase utility bills and leave communities with little influence over developments that could reshape their surroundings.
The issue has emerged in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race, with Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan taking a more skeptical approach to the industry’s growth and Republican Michele Tafoya emphasizing economic development alongside local oversight.
Both candidates say residents should have a meaningful voice in decisions about new facilities and should not be left paying for their construction or operation. But Flanagan has called for stronger protections against corporate influence, while Tafoya has argued that Minnesota should welcome new investment if developers are transparent about the costs and consequences.
Their positions come as communities across Minnesota debate proposed projects and state policymakers grapple with how to regulate an industry whose demand for electricity and water could have far-reaching consequences.
The article outlines their views on the following data center issues:
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Data center development and local control
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Electricity costs and water consumption
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Transparency and corporate influence
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Regulations, tax incentives and environmental protections
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Should data center construction be paused?