Local Boards Reject Data Centers in Minnesota and Texas

Local governing bodies in Minnesota and Texas recently blocked data center developments amid a growing backlash against high-resource computing facilities. In Minnesota, the Nobles County Board voted 3-2 on April 21, 2026, to reject a zoning change for a 400-megawatt facility proposed by Geronimo Power near Worthington. Despite promises of 1,000 construction jobs and $12.8 million in annual tax increases, the board cited community concerns regarding traffic, noise, and water usage. This decision coincided with state-level efforts by Senators Jen McEwen and Erin Maye Quade to freeze data center permitting for two years and ban nondisclosure agreements between tech firms and local governments.

Similarly, in Texas, the Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 and later 4-0 to recommend the denial of a conditional use permit for a $30 million project proposed by ONMINE on South Fort Hood Street. The developers, including co-founders Ziyad and Ahmed Elgamal, pitched the 2.6-acre site as a virtual power plant and grid shock absorber that would use a closed-loop coolant system to avoid municipal water use.

Commissioners and residents rejected these claims, citing concerns over noise pollution and the project's limited economic impact, as it would only create 14 full-time jobs. The Killeen City Council retains final authority to permanently block the request. These rejections mirror regional tensions in Central Texas, where residents in neighboring Temple launched recall campaigns against city council members over similar approvals.