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Bigelow Today
By the People, for the People
Cautious Approach Urged for Proposed Data Center in Elk Township
Former county commissioner raises concerns about 'green-washing' and lack of community benefits
Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:22pm
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A former county leader's caution over a proposed data center project highlights the need to carefully weigh community impacts against economic promises.Bigelow TodayA former Nobles County Commissioner and founding member of the Rural Minnesota Energy Taskforce is urging local officials to move cautiously on a proposed 640-acre energy facility (data center) in Elk Township, citing a lack of community benefits compared to wind and solar projects.
Why it matters
The proposed data center project has drawn scrutiny from a local leader with deep experience in renewable energy, who argues that the facility represents 'green-washing' by linking it to wind power expansion without providing the same economic and environmental benefits to the community.
The details
In a letter to the editor, David Benson argues that the proposed data center lacks the production tax benefits and minimal disruption to agriculture that wind and solar projects can provide. Benson says Geronimo's linking of the data center to wind power expansion is an example of 'green-washing' that makes the large energy user appear neutral while reaping profits without broader societal benefits.
- Benson spent over 20 years in wind energy activities prior to writing this letter.
The players
David Benson
A former Nobles County Commissioner and founding member of the Rural Minnesota Energy Taskforce from 1992-2012.
Geronimo
The company proposing the 640-acre energy facility (data center) project in Elk Township.
What they’re saying
“Often in my life, hasty decisions turn out to be fraught with hidden costs and negative influences. I would like to recommend moving cautiously on the proposed energy facility (data center) in Elk Township. This will give the community time to research and investigate the costs and benefits to the area.”
— David Benson, Former Nobles County Commissioner
“Geronimo's linking of wind power expansion with the energy facility is an example of 'green-washing'. This makes a huge energy user appear neutral, while using vast amounts of electrical energy for purposes that have yet to be of benefit to the society at large and, at the same time, reaping huge profits to segments of our economy who need them least.”
— David Benson, Former Nobles County Commissioner
What’s next
Benson has requested a short opportunity to provide testimony and answer questions during any public hearings on the proposed data center project.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of carefully evaluating the community impacts and economic benefits of large energy projects, especially when they are framed as environmentally friendly without providing the same level of local support as renewable energy sources like wind and solar.