Increase regulations for the construction AI data centers in the state of Minnesota.

 

This bill will increase the number of regulations and prerequisites for the construction of AI data centers in the state

of Minnesota, advancing environmental regulations, ensuring fair utility costs and respecting the needs local

communities.

 

Data centers can carry long term risks, particularly environmental risks, if not designed and implement with the proper

requirements. Poorly designed data centers may have high energy usage, water usage, and contributions to air pollution

with a poor energy supply mix. Given the growth in the usage of many types of real-time applications, such as gaming,

streaming video, social media, and AI, their prevalence has only increased in recent years. There have been proposals

for 10 mega data centers introduced in Minnesota in the past year alone and hundreds nationally. Last July, NPR reported

that each ChatGPT search uses ten times more electricity than a Google search. In March 2024, Forbes reported that the

water consumption associated with a single conversation with ChatGPT was comparable to that of a standard plastic water

bottle. As data centers are developed in Minnesota, it is critical that best in technology is used for any new facility,

leveraging best in class energy conservation technology, advanced air-cooled systems that do not use significant water

supplies, and energy supplies from utilities are required to restrict sources that contain pollutants. Additionally,

data centers should not impact existing utility company bills.

 

Data centers - buildings that house the infrastructure needed to run computers, including servers, network equipment and

data storage drives.

National Public Radio (NPR) - a nonprofit media organization based in the United States that produces and distributes

news, cultural programming, and music.

Forbes - A global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and

lifestyle.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require

human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision making, and perception.

Informational Technology (IT) - encompasses the use of computers, software, and networks used to manage and process

information.

ChatGPT - a generative artificial intelligence chat bot developed by OpenAI

 

No funding needed.

 

Financial Fines: $100,000 Flat fine for unauthorized construction or ones not up to standard and daily accruing fines

until compliance is achieved

Permit Revocation or Suspension: enforce immediate suspension of building permits and revocation of business licenses

for repeat offenders

Civil Liability: Allow affected communities or municipalities to sue for damages

Criminal Charges: Classify deliberate concealment or falsification of permits as a misdemeanor or felony.

 

January 8th, 2027