As president of the
Minnesota Pipe Trades Association
and lifelong resident of northern Minnesota, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, forward-looking projects can bring family-supporting union jobs to our communities without compromising our environment. (This is in response to the June 28 letter, “
Protect Minnesota resources from data centers
.”)

The recent compromise on data centers struck during this past legislative session is a perfect example of how Minnesota can balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Thanks to leaders like Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, we now have the strongest water-transparency laws in the country for large projects like data centers. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is required to review and disclose water use for any project using more than 100 million gallons per year, and the public can trust that water-conservation technologies must be considered before permits are issued.

Just as importantly, this bill guarantees that all data-center construction must follow prevailing-wage laws, ensuring workers on these projects receive family-sustaining area standard wages. That means well-paying construction jobs right here in our communities. And through annual fees paid by these companies, the law will invest millions directly into energy conservation and low-income weatherization grants across Minnesota.

Sen. Hauschild understands that northern Minnesota doesn’t have to choose between economic opportunity and environmental protection, that we can and must achieve both. This compromise was proof of that.

Andrew Campeau
Culver, Minnesota
The writer is president of the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association.