Eagan Holds Off on Big Tech Buildings for a Year

The council has paused any new data center or crypto‑mining projects for a full year.
Key points of the pause:

• Construction Restrictions
• No new builds within 500 feet of homes.

• Sites cannot exceed 20 MW of power usage.

• Permit Freeze
• No permits for building, changing, or expanding related structures.

• Repairs that are absolutely necessary remain allowed.

• Duration
• The pause ends on February 17, 2027, unless the council votes earlier.

Why the Pause?

• Public Hearing Consensus
  The decision was unanimous after community input.

• Concerns Raised
• High electricity consumption and strain on local resources.

• Environmental impacts of large‑scale data centers.

• Potential Benefits
• Job creation and alignment with growing technology demands.

Context in Minnesota

• Other towns like Hermantown and Farmington have faced similar pushback.
• The resulting patchwork of local rules complicates statewide standards and consistent long‑term studies on tech hub effects.