North Mankato’s Water at Stake: Data Centers and Minnesota’s Policy Choices

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ecumen Pathstone Latitude & Landing, 115 Rogers St, Mankato, MN 56001

In 2023, a developer quietly proposed a hyperscale data center just west of North Mankato, and city officials signed a non-disclosure agreement. In 2025, the city released a legally required environmental assessment for public comment without disclosing that it involved a hyperscale data center or the project’s enormous water and energy demands. The City Council approved it unanimously, giving the green light for the developer to proceed. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy has since filed suit, alleging inadequate disclosure and review, with a trial scheduled for June.
This presentation explores how the proposed project could threaten the sustainability of the Mt. Simon aquifer, North Mankato’s sole water source. It also places the project in a broader context; North Mankato is one of at least ten communities in Minnesota facing similar proposals, driven by major tech companies seeking expanded capacity for artificial intelligence. The talk concludes by examining emerging policy ideas aimed at regulating these developments and ensuring that decisions remain in the hands of local communities.

Presenter:

Louis Schwartzkopf – Louis is a retired Physics Professor from Minnesota State University Mankato. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California in Berkeley. His work has been published in top physics journals, and he is the co-holder of four patents. Twenty-five years ago he switched his focus to environmental advocacy. Among his projects have been a greenhouse gas inventory for the cities of Mankato and North Mankato and project lead for the Minnesota State University Mankato climate action plan. He is a board member of the Southcentral Minnesota Clean Energy Council.

Sponsor:

Steve Gilbert