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Eagan passes moratorium on data centers
Eagan voted to ban any data centers from being built in the city for one year. FOX 9's Mike Manzoni has more.
EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - In a new twist on a debate that’s become as popular as the phones that helped create the need for them, the Eagan City Council has placed a year-long ban on the development of any proposed data centers to give leaders more time to research their impacts.
Minnesota data center ban
What we know:
The ordinance creates a year-long pause in data center and cryptocurrency mining operation development if they are within 500 feet of residential-zoned areas, or use more than 20 megawatts of electricity. The interim ordinance ends on Feb. 17, 2027, or sooner if a council vote determines it.
During that time, no building permits will be issued for the construction, alteration, or expansion of any structure or improvements, other than necessary repairs.
The council held a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on data centers on Tuesday, passing the measure by a unanimous vote.
You can read a full copy of the ordinance below:
Dig deeper:
Data centers have become controversial projects in recent years, with proposals in Hermantown and Farmington facing resistance from local residents.
Critics often raise issues with the resources data centers draw from local communities, such as electricity.
In addition to needing more of them as advancements to AI continue, data centers are using more electricity as well – a modern 10-megawatt data center is now small compared to some that are commanding hundreds.
However, those in favor of their creation are quick to note their necessity as technology develops, and the potential for local job creation.
What's next:
Macro concerns center on individual cities creating a patchwork of local moratoriums across the state, ultimately complicating any statewide standards, and potential future studies.