Plugged In: Minnesota Confronts Its Data Center Moment

Data centers have landed in Minnesota - and sparked a tidal wave of debate and sharp lines between advocates and those concerned about impacts to the power grid, water supply, and local communities. So if find yourself wondering "I keep seeing headlines about this and don't fully get it", join us for a practical, Minnesota-focused primer where we invite the people already sitting in the rooms where data center proposals are being discussed. The Minnesota Context:- Currently over 60 data centers operate in our state, with many more being proposed- Advocacy groups have successfully argued for a moratorium- Developers are actively engaging in community listening sessions to address concerned citizens- From Farmington to Hermantown to Monticello, residents have sat through hearing after hearing Almost all of this debate is, technically, open to the public. And yet it is challenging for most to stay abreast of latest decisions, developments, or who has authority to approve or deny a project. Our vision is to raise the bar for discourse on a divisive subject matter and engage with differing perspectives in good faith. You'll leave with an overview of how Minnesota is actually approaching decisions around data centers, and how they might coexist with our state's climate goals. Plus, you will have concrete ways to walk into the room yourself if you want to. What this event isIt's about gathering insight from the ones already underway. We as TC3 do not have a stance on data centers. We do have a stance on Minnesotans actually hearing each other and understanding the current state of play. What this event is notWe do not want this event to be a referendum on the ethics of AI use or the concentration of power and influence of billionaires over critical infrastructure. Rather we envision this event as helping our ecosystem hear itself think. AGENDA Data Centers 101 - What are they? Why build them? Common misconceptions Data Center Impacts - Energy, Water, Land Use Trust & Transparency in the Data Center Discourse Tech Solutions Aimed at Critical Impact Areas How do Data Centers Reconcile with MN Climate Targets? Who You Will Hear From Note: This event is still being finalized, so will our panelists as they are confirmed! # 1 — Tiffany Kovaleski - President, AFCOM Greater Minnesota & CEO, GOR Group #2 — Natalie Wagner - Humphrey Policy Fellow & Sustainability and Gov Affairs, CHS#3 — Aaron Tinjum - Executive Vice President, Policy, Regulatory and Strategy, Data Center Coalition#4 — Fernando Burga - Faculty in Urban Planning at the Humphrey School & the Minnesota Design Center#5 — Steve Rambeck - Vice President Business Development and Commercial Strategy, Ever-Green Energy Event Q&A What is TC3's stance on data centers? We are not neutral on whether data centers pose real climate/grid/water impacts - this is a fact and well documented. We are neutral on the particular case-by-case factors that apply to any individual project. No two projects are identical and can vary widely depending on siting, utility mix, water source, community benefits negotiated, etc. Who Is welcome to attend? ​​Building a future where all can thrive truly takes all of us, and as such, not only are all humans of all types welcome, you're sincerely invited and encouraged to attend. No matter your background, experience, age, education, income, or where you are on your climate journey, you are invited, and we would genuinely love to have you. How can I support this work? Join us, or send this to a friend who might be interested! Who are the hosts? What is TC3 (Twin Cities Climate Collaborative)? TC3 is a grassroots org seeking to celebrate, educate, and connect about all the incredible humans, resources, and organizations building an equitable sustainable future in Minneapolis. Learn more about our work here.