The public needs transparency and a voice in proceedings before any decision to build a data center moves forward in Faribault, Minnesota.

Step One:  Take Action Here! Send a letter to members of the Faribault City Council and to the Rice County Commissioners and let them know you support a moratorium on data centers in Rice County.

Health Risks:  An exploratory assessment in the state of Virginia showed that large data centers “may pose significant health risks.” Risks can include diseases that arise from air pollution, waterborne illnesses, mental and neurological health problems from noise pollution, impacts to well-being from degradation of the land, and consequences of increased energy costs especially to groups like the elderly or low-income individuals. Data centers emit toxic air pollution, including dangerous fine particles, and are a source of harmful noise pollution and light pollution. They use vast quantities of electricity, land, and water.

Minnesota Court of Appeals Is Requiring an Environmental Impact Statement: Recently, Archer Datacenters planned a project in Faribault, the county seat of Rice County, of a 500,000 square foot, 84 acre, hyperscale data center. The Faribault City Council approved the project in August 2025. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) opposed the project and sued. The Court of Appeals agreed with the MCEA, that when the City fast-tracked the environmental review, their decision not to require an Environmental Impact Statement was not supported by substantial evidence in the record. So, the City needs to go back to the drawing board and consider environmental impacts like air quality, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, and the cumulative effects of the center.

Step Two:  Sign the Petition HERE in Change.org started by a Faribault advocate and help gather signatures and support the local people of Faribault Minnesota.

A Rice County resident has started a Petition to urge local authorities including the Faribault City Council and the Rice County Commissioners to oppose new data centers in Rice County.

The Petition mentions the use of electricity and water, the financial burden on taxpayers from the increase in utility costs, the possible electrical blackouts, and also the environmental and health impacts including increased noise, air, and water pollution, as well as the heat island effect from the heat that the data center generates. 

The Petition requests that, instead, local officials “prioritize investments in sustainable infrastructure” which does not compromise their beautiful natural surroundings.

If you support this effort, please sign the Petition. Every additional signature shows your support.