1. Is there a list somewhere of proposed data centers? If there is a data center near me, what can I do about it?
There is not a list somewhere. This is part of the issue - since there is no central permitting process or agency, no single agency is tracking the proposals. The closest to a list we have is DNR’s list based on water withdrawal requests, shared with the Star Tribune here.
If you know about a proposed data center in your city, here are some steps to take:
- Contact your city council representative, House member, and state Senator to let them know that you are concerned and want to know more.
- Let MCEA know about it so we can help track it.
2. Do the facilities have to use recycled metals? What happens to the metals when the components are replaced?
There is currently no requirement that data centers in MN or in the United States use recycled metals, nor are there any specific regulations on disposal of components. This is the type of parameter that could and should be discussed at the Minnesota legislature.
3. Are there models in other states or countries that could be helpful here?
Potentially. Some of the large tech companies have talked about investments in geothermal in other places, such as Nevada. However, it’s not clear that companies would invest in geothermal in Minnesota.
It’s important to keep in mind that any investments in decreasing environmental impacts would be voluntary. If we want data centers in Minnesota to do better, we will need transparency about the data center proposals, and the right laws in place.
4. Is there a permitting process in place? Can we add requirements to those permits on environment impacts, local jobs, and community benefits agreements?
There is no overall permitting process for data centers. Some aspects of their operations may be regulated lightly, but the requirements are scattered across a range of local governments and state agencies such that they will not be effective to regulate overall impacts, which come from a wide range of issues, including water use, metals use, electricity use, and local concerns such as light and noise.
If Minnesota were to adopt a permitting process, the state could add specific requirements governing the operation of these facilities.
5. Can we find out more about how much water data centers are using? Can we require them to use less?
Unfortunately, the current system makes it difficult to track the individual water use of data centers, as well as their strategies for managing water use. Many data centers are using municipal permits to withdraw water from the aquifers, which allow them to avoid scrutiny. They are not treated as a single industrial massive water user, even though that’s what data centers are, and the state finds it politically challenging to deny municipal water permits.
If data centers were required to undergo a permit process for their water withdrawal, it would help with transparency and may allow the state to put requirements and limits on their water use.
6. How will this affect my electricity rates?
At this point, we don’t know. Some of the large tech companies have suggested that they will contribute to lower rates for residential customers due to higher demand. However, at this point, that is solely an industry claim, and is not backed up by data. A transparent process at the Public UtilitiesUtilties Commission would help answer this question, and the Commission has just ordered such a process to explore impacts from data centers that would connect to Xcel Energy’s electric system. MCEA has asked the PUC to look at it.