Big Loads, Big Decisions: The Legal Landscape for Data Center Siting
Minnesota is seeing increased interest in hyperscale data centers—projects with electric demand rivaling that of cities. These projects drive new infrastructure, raise cost-allocation questions, and generate local controversy.
This CLE provides a practical legal roadmap: what local officials can control through zoning and conditional-use permits; what belongs in development and infrastructure agreements; key variables and uncertainties (electric load profiles, backup generation plans, infrastructure triggers); and how local decisions intersect with Minnesota Public Utilities Commission review and broader electricity planning. Based on MnDRIVE Environment research, the session emphasizes tools and decision frameworks for policymakers and other stakeholders rather than a single view about whether communities should host data centers.
Lunch Provided
CLE Credits
1 standard CLE credit will be requested.
Parking Information
Who
Elise Harrington
Assistant Professor
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Sponsored by
Board of Advisors Academic Engagement Committee