Some sections of a future Applied Digital data center near Harwood, North Dakota, were enclosed on March 4, 2026, while other sections were ready for more concrete panels to form the walls. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)
FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – AI data centers have become a topic of discussion, with citizens in many of the cities they’ve been built angry about their construction. Some residents are upset they feel they haven’t been considered in the matter, and others believe the facilities will produce loud sounds. The main argument has been data centers will harm the environment.
The legislative Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in Grand Forks, with lawmakers present saying that people are misinformed on the topic.
“Emotional reaction with information with information that’s not accurate is a problem,” acknowledged Claire Vigesaa, executive director of the North Dakota Transmission Authority. “We just need to do our best to keep focused on facts and reputable information.”
Officials from agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality presented stats saying environmental fears are unfounded.
“We’ve also been some negative environmental information that hasn’t matched what we’ve seen in North Dakota at all,” said executive director James Semerad.
The lawmakers believe the state should provide education to local authorities pitching or breaking the news of data center construction to their residents.
Former Governor of North Dakota, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, echoed the sentiments of many of these officials in a speech in Bismarck last month. He claimed, among other things, that AI data centers will actually lower the cost of electricity for the average consumer in the long run.
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