Most Minnesotans aren’t sold on data centers, but others say it’s not just AI that uses them

A poll shows most Minnesotans oppose data centers as debate grows over new proposals across the state. 

A 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS/SurveyUSA poll found 60% of Minnesotans are against data centers, while 27% are in favor and the rest are unsure.

State officials at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) say there have been 12 proposed data centers in Minnesota this year, with more proposals expected next year.

To get Minnesotans’ perspective, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS took to the Minnesota State Fair to ask residents about their opinions regarding data centers.

“There’s really nothing good about data centers and they don’t supply jobs because it’s such a specific thing, they really are eliminating jobs, there is nothing good about data c...