Central ND News

Oliver County has enacted two moratoriums concerning the development of solar projects and data centers, including cryptocurrency mining facilities. The Planning & Zoning Board unanimously approved both measures, despite opposition from Minnkota Power, which expressed its disapproval in a letter to the Commission.

The first resolution, 2024-04, addresses solar energy facilities. It acknowledges Oliver County's potential as a future site for such developments but notes that best practices for siting and performance standards have not been established. The Board of Commissioners emphasized the need to create a land use code amendment to protect public health and safety. "A moratorium on the development of all solar energy facilities is adopted," states the resolution, effective immediately upon recording and publication.

The second resolution, 2024-05, focuses on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities. Similar to solar projects, these are considered new land uses in Oliver County without established guidelines. The resolution aims to provide time for research and development of standards for these industries. "A moratorium on the development of all data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities is adopted," it declares.

Both resolutions were moved by Rob Schmidt and seconded by Dave Berger with unanimous support from Lee Husfloen. They were officially approved on December 12, 2024.