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Dive brief:
- A judge in Minnesota halted the construction activity of a Google data center campus in Pine Island, Minn., according to a May 22 temporary restraining order filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.
- Goodhue County District Court Judge Patrick Biren found the environmental group’s challenge raised enough questions about whether the project’s environmental review process met state requirements.
- The ruling halts work on the proposed 482-acre campus, called Project Skyway, which would include at least 100 acres of data center development, according to the court filing.
Diving knowledge:
Ryan Cos., the Minneapolis-based general contractor for the project, estimates delays in the project could cost the company $5 million or more, according to the order.
“We are currently reviewing the judge’s order in detail to determine our next steps,” said Ryan Cos.
Google announced in February its investment in Pine Islandaccording to a press release. Xcel Energy announced the same day that it would power the new data center. Neither company disclosed the total cost of the project.
A key issue in the dispute revolves around whether the project must undergo additional environmental review procedures, according to the order.
“MCEA argues that the Skyway project could be constructed without proper environmental review,” the order states. “Furthermore, MCEA’s challenge to the environmental review process would be moot if construction begins.”
The court also expressed concern about the handling of records requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. If construction moves forward, MCEA would have “no opportunity to review the requested data that is determined to be disclosed.”
“MCEA has made a showing of possible success on the merits,” according to the court filing. “This factor, therefore, favors the granting of the [temporary restraining order.]”
