The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Hastings
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Hastings city’s enacted moratorium pauses new data centers and expansions for up to a year, while existing centers may continue operating and accessory computing uses are excluded.
Rating from Minnesota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Hastings.
current law · City of HastingsEstablishes a citywide moratorium on data centers until August 17, 2027, while Hastings studies their impacts and considers City Code amendments.City of Hastings Interim Ordinance: Moratorium on Establishing Data Centers (August 17, 2026)
What this means
If enacted, this citywide moratorium would prohibit establishing or expanding data centers and block related city permits for up to a year (“No data center shall be established, re-established, or expanded”). Existing data centers could keep operating, and accessory computing uses are excluded, but the pause would make new projects and expansions substantially harder.
Timing
- Ends
- Aug 17, 2027
The moratorium remains in effect until this date unless rescinded earlier by the City Council. It may be extended as provided in Minn. Stat. § 462.355, subd. 4(d).
People behind it
- John Hinzman
Prepared the City Council memorandum presenting the proposed moratorium for consideration.
- Planning Committee of City Council
Reviewed potential data-center impacts and requested Planning Commission input on a possible moratorium.
- City Council
The body asked to consider and adopt the interim moratorium ordinance.
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- Community Development Department
Authorized to conduct the data-center study and propose amendments to the City Code.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
The ordinance imposes a citywide moratorium: data centers are prohibited in every zoning district, and none may be established, re-established, or expanded. The City may not issue zoning, building, construction, demolition, or other permits for those activities. The definition excludes computing facilities that are merely accessory to a separate lawful principal use. The moratorium is to take effect seven days after passage and publication and remain in force until August 17, 2027, unless rescinded; it may be extended as allowed by state law.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The moratorium does not cover computing facilities that are not the principal use of a building or facility and are merely accessory to a separate, lawful principal use.
Sources
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