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.
Pine County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Pine County’s enacted ordinance pauses data-center approvals for 12 months and directs a study, but excludes most incorporated cities and some townships.
Rating from Minnesota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Pine County.
Specific to Pine County only.
current law · County measure: Areas under Pine County jurisdiction, excluding incorporated cities unless regulated under the County Zoning Ordinance, and townships that have adopted qualifying data-center regulationsProhibits Pine County and covered jurisdictions from approving data center developments for 12 months while the county studies possible regulations.Pine County Interim Ordinance 2026-15 (Pine County Board of Commissioners)
What this means
The measure would pause data-center approvals for 12 months, making building or expanding one substantially harder during that period (no approvals for data-center development; it also directs a study, but that does not offset the immediate barrier. The moratorium has geographic exceptions, including most incorporated cities and some townships (areas excluded from the ordinance), but its year-long pause still fits the severe-restriction anchor.
Timing
- Ends
- Aug 18, 2027
Expiration is calculated, not expressly stated: twelve months from August 18, 2026 adoption, subject to earlier express repeal or replacement zoning taking effect. Section 7 duration and variance authority.
People behind it
- Roger Nelson
Commissioner; moves reaffirmation and extension to twelve months.
- Matt Ludwig
Commissioner; seconds the motion.
- Josh Mohr
Board chair commenting on the moratorium.
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- Kelly Schroeder
County administrator explaining the study pause.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Section 6 prohibits approvals for any data center development in covered jurisdictions.
Section 5 directs the Zoning Board and County Administrator to study data center regulations and make recommendations.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Limited relief, not an incentive: the Zoning Board may issue written clarifications and variances.
Sources
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