Data center debate in Monticello
Residents in Monticello are raising their concerns over the potential for data centers in their area. FOX 9’s Mike Manzoni has the latest.
MONTICELLO, Minn. (FOX 9) – Residents in Monticello are pushing back against two proposed data centers, with many expressing concerns over potential environmental impacts and health risks.
Proposed data center details
What we know:
Community members gathered at a meeting in Monticello on Monday night to voice their opposition to the proposed facilities.
This follows a petition signed on Sunday by hundreds against the projects.
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart said he believes the data centers could bring economic benefits and jobs, but many are skeptical.
One of the proposed data centers would occupy over 500 acres south of 85th Street and east of Highway 25. The other would cover about 100 acres near Otter Creek Crossing Industrial Park, close to 90th Street Northwest.
The city council has not yet approved the data centers, and discussions about potential regulations are ongoing.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy has filed a lawsuit against the city, challenging the review process for the larger data center.
Concerned over data centers, residents circulate petition
Dig deeper:
Dennis DuFrane, a resident who opposes the data centers, expressed worries about potential health risks.
“You do a quick Google search on what a data center is, and you see the most horrific things, with chemicals being in the air,” he said. “And I have three small kids, and I just worry about their health.”
Andrew Sopher, another opponent, shared his experience gathering signatures for the petition.
“I sat at the park on Sunday afternoon for just over two hours and I watched close to 500 people come through and sign the petition, stating that they’re not in favor of a data center,” he said.
What is a data center?
What exactly is a data center and why are so many being proposed across Minnesota? Professor Manjeet Rege, chair of Software Engineering and Data Science and director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas, joins us to explain how these massive facilities store and process the world’s data and what the economic, environmental, and infrastructure questions are as Minnesota considers hosting more of them.
Data center details “overly vague”: lawsuit
Dig deeper:
Luke Norquist, an attorney with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, raised questions about the environmental implications of the data centers.
“What will they mean for water resources in Minnesota? And what do they mean to climate, particularly due to the massive electricity demand?” he questioned.
The St. Paul-based nonprofit filed a lawsuit against the city in February over the review process for the larger proposed data center, claiming it was illegal.
City says it won’t accept applications until new regulations
What’s next:
In an email on Monday, Rachel Leonard, the city administrator, said the city participated in informal discussions with two developers, noting that each had come forward with “concepts only.” She added that the city would not accept any formal applications for data centers until the city council approved new regulations.
What we don’t know:
It is unclear when or if the projects will be approved. The city council did not vote on new regulations during the recent meeting, but plans to address them in the future.
