Our sister organization started out as a grassroot group of residents that formed a coalition with the goal of protecting our residential neighborhood from the environmental impacts of hyper-scale data center development. 

These impacts include: risk of depletion of the aquifer, risk to wildlife and protected trout river, air pollution from the use of diesel generators, enormous use of electricity (city estimates at 700 megawatt), light and noise pollution.

 

As we developed relationships with neighboring, statewide, and nationwide communities through our online presence, it became clear that the magnitude and prevalence of these environmental issues are reaching communities across the country. We are a 501(c)(3), (Tax ID # 41-2639488), sister organization to the Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development (CRDCD), a 501(c)(4).

 

The CRDCD's legal case is one of the furthest ahead against Developer-lead data center proposals in Minnesota. We believe this case could be precedent-setting in demanding parameters on how sites need to be regulated to protect residents and our state's natural resources. 

 

The CRDCD developed a toolkit to help residents address their concerns at public forums such as city council and planning commission meetings. The event was supported by the Minnesota Women's Press, CURE, MCEA, Vote Solar, and political figures. Our organization is affiliated with 22 other non-profits so far, all advocating for environmental protection.

 

 The CRDCD and CRDCDF have organized several public meetings to educate citizens on the above mentioned impacts and how to organize to protect themselves.

We presented at the Met Council Meeting regarding zoning of residential and farmland into MUCI (mixed used commercial and industrial zone, which implies "light" industrial use, not the utility-sized energy and water use).

Our group members have Testified seven times at the State Legislature and multiple times at local city council.

Our Coalition Leaders engaged Attorney General and the Governor's Office regarding NDA's (Non Disclosure Agreements).