Hermantown, MN and Janesville, WI Residents Oppose New Data Center Plans

Residents in Hermantown, Minnesota, and Janesville, Wisconsin, have gathered in large public meetings to voice opposition to proposed hyperscale data center projects. In Hermantown, a forum organized by local groups featured experts raising concerns about the facility's energy demands, environmental impact, and the promised economic benefits, with particular scrutiny of Google's involvement.

In Janesville, about 200 town residents packed a meeting to discuss a draft one‑year moratorium on data center development. Town Chairman Bruce Schneider noted the unprecedented turnout and the community’s worries about water use, land impacts, noise and traffic. The board voted to send the moratorium draft to the planning and zoning committee for a public hearing in August, aiming to pause any data center projects while other development continues.

Both communities are questioning whether the infrastructure projects could strain local resources and alter their rural character, and they are seeking greater transparency and safeguards before any construction proceeds.