The roof of a data centre is pictured in Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
New polling indicates Americans aren’t keen on the idea of data centers coming to their communities. That’s reflected in a patchwork of opposition to Minnesota projects, with local residents pushing back. Near Duluth, a proposed data center in Hermantown led to a flurry of activity this fall from residents who feel local officials aren’t transparent enough about the project, that’s now paused. Data centers are seen as key digital infrastructure as AI advances. But they face scrutiny over their noise and impact on natural resources, namely water supplies. A Heatmap News poll says only 44% of respondents would welcome such a facility.

John Gustafson, who lives near Hermantown, said he sees a pattern from developers when courted by local governments.

“They don’t want the public attention and they put everything in place until the last possible moment for the public to be aware,” he explained. “And by then, for many of the communities, it’s too late. They don’t have any say in it.”

Local opponents are working with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy in pushing for accountability. The group says five lawsuits have been filed in Minnesota in the last two months, challenging environmental review studies of data center proposals around the state. Hermantown leaders didn’t respond to a request for comment, but generally, supporters say these large facilities give towns and cities a much-needed economic edge, including construction jobs.

Gustafson questions arguments about whether the short-term economic gain is worth it, and warned that even if data center construction creates good paying jobs, giving A-I more room to grow could phase out jobs in other sectors.

“We’re betting on getting our dollars out of this and sacrificing something that will impact our future generations for years to come,” he continued.

Some economists warn of a data center bubble, and local skeptics fear that might leave their towns with a sunken cost if technology needs change. Industry officials say there are more than a dozen hyperscale data centers proposed in Minnesota.