Overview
- A Minneapolis City Council committee approved a six-month moratorium on establishing, expanding or reestablishing data centers while staff draft permanent regulations; the pause exempts downtown projects smaller than 350,000 square feet and awaits a full council vote.
- Superior, Wisconsin, enacted a one-year citywide moratorium and sent the issue to its planning commission for recommendations on zoning, utilities and infrastructure as the city rewrites its code.
- Public testimony in Minneapolis showed a sharp divide: environmental groups warned of water, energy and noise harms while labor and construction unions urged caution about blocking jobs and investment.
- Council debate in Superior included a failed effort to limit the moratorium to hyperscale centers over 50,000 square feet after members raised concerns about unintended effects on hospitals and telecom facilities.
- The moves reflect a wider regional trend driven by large proposals such as Google’s nearly $2 billion, 1.8 million-square-foot campus near Duluth and growing local calls for special rate classes, reporting requirements, or developer-funded grid and water upgrades.