St. Louis County Board Candidates Debate Data Centers, Mining, and Housing in Forum
Incumbent 1st District St. Louis County Commissioner Annie Harala and challenger Kris Eilers recently participated in a candidate forum in Duluth, addressing several key local issues. A central point of contention was Harala's signing of a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) concerning a proposed Google data center in Hermantown. Eilers, executive director of the St. Louis River Alliance, criticized the secrecy surrounding the proposal, stating it motivated her to run for office. Harala expressed regret for signing the NDA, acknowledging that while legal, it was not ideal. She noted the county is reviewing how data centers should be handled in planning and zoning rules. Eilers advocated for a moratorium on data centers to allow communities to better understand their potential impacts on water, energy, and residents. The candidates also presented differing views on copper-nickel mining, with Eilers supporting a moratorium due to environmental concerns for the St. Louis River watershed, while Harala was more open ...
