New data center moratorium established, and Public Utility Commission required to submit a report

This bill establishes a one-year moratorium on issuing permits for new data centers in Minnesota, preventing state and local governments from approving such projects until a comprehensive report is completed. The Public Utility Commission must submit this report by July 1, 2027, or January 1, 2028 if extended, which will assess energy, water, and materials usage, environmental impacts, economic effects, and suitable locations for data centers. The report must also analyze impacts on Tribal Nations, include public feedback, and be prepared by an independent contractor with no conflicts of interest. The bill directly affects data center developers, local governments, and the Public Utility Commission, requiring them to wait for the report before approving new facilities.