Resident urges Lincoln County to consider limits on data centers over water and power concerns
Summary
Resident Shane Johnson told the board he wants Lincoln County to ban or limit data centers, saying they use 'a tremendous amount of water and electrical resources' and can strain local supplies; County Attorney Glen Petersen said Minnesota county attorneys are examining data-center issues.
During the meeting's open forum, resident Shane Johnson urged the Lincoln County Board to "place a ban or some kind of limitation on data centers coming into Lincoln County," saying such facilities use "a tremendous amount of water and electrical resources" and that he has heard of wells and streams drying up and rising electricity costs in other states.
Johnson said he hopes the commissioners "can see the urgency in this issue and would like them to do research on their own and do what they can to protect our county." County Attorney Glen Petersen responded that data centers "do have the attention of the MN County Attorneys through the MN Counties organization," and that the organization is looking into possible issues data centers could cause. Commissioner Mic VanDeVere noted the topic is discussed at MN Rural Energy Board meetings where he participates.
The board did not take immediate action on the request; the comment was recorded during open forum for potential future consideration.
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