Big Tech shouldn’t cost us more than it brings
Data centers aren’t new. For years, they’ve helped make rural life a little easier, powering everything from telehealth visits and mobile banking to streaming movies at home.
But this new crop of data centers is different. Many are being built to power AI, cryptocurrency mining, and real-time law-enforcement surveillance systems that link cameras, license plate readers (such as Flock), gunshot detectors, and other monitoring technologies.
Data centers can drain millions of gallons of water, drive up energy demand, bring noise and pollution, create fewer jobs than promised, and walk away with tax breaks while local communities are left carrying the costs.
Now Minnesotans have to ask:
At what point do the impacts of data centers exceed the benefits?
Who is bearing the burden?
And who is reaping the profits?
Minnesota still lacks strong regulations, leaving communities around the state scrambling to navigate this laundry list of potential impacts, virtually on their own. We need statewide rules that give local people a real say in their community’s future.
If big tech companies want to build here, they should be good neighbors. That’s not asking too much. But right now, the only clear winners from Minnesota’s continued lack of robust data center laws are big tech behemoths pushing projects.
Minnesotans across the political spectrum agree: the world’s biggest tech companies don’t need special treatment. Minnesota needs one clear, statewide framework for hyperscale data centers, with transparent decision-making, meaningful public input, and enforceable rules that apply across the state.
The water belongs to all of us. Data centers must report real water use, reduce demand, disclose wastewater additives, and pay their fair share. They need their own permits. No loopholes. No hiding behind city water permits.
Transparency required. No secret deals. No Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) No keeping communities in the dark.
No taxpayer handouts. Big Tech shouldn’t get taxpayer-funded tax breaks. End the sales tax exemption for hyperscale data centers and stop local giveaways that shift costs onto everyone else.
New demand, new energy. If data centers need more power, they must bring new clean energy and storage online. Minnesota families, businesses, and co-op members shouldn’t be left footing the bill.
Clean air. Quiet nights. Healthy communities. No diesel pollution from “backup” generators. Prevent excessive noise and round-the-clock light pollution before it becomes a problem.
What is a Hyperscale Data Center?
A Hyperscale Data Center is a huge building, sometimes as big as 10 to 20 Walmart Supercenters, filled with computers that store data and run websites, apps, and AI. Depending on its size, it can use enough electricity to power a city with about 80,000 to 400,000 people (about 100–500 megawatts of electricity).