North Dakota Legislative Committee Convenes to Examine Policy and Community Impacts of Data Center Expansion
Lawmakers heard concerns about transparency, energy demand and local siting authority as they consider potential legislation for the next session.
- On Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, North Dakota lawmakers met in Bismarck to examine data center growth, discussing infrastructure demands, local siting authority, and environmental regulations as the industry expands.
- Applied Digital executive vice president Nick Phillips testified that the company significantly boosts state revenues, with Ellendale sales tax collections jumping from about $350,000 annually to $4.5 million in the first eight months of 2026.
- Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, proposed eliminating sales tax exemptions for equipment, arguing "Data centers will be built even if we eliminate this subsidy. We should do it immediately."
- Public Service Commission Chair Randy Christmann proposed creating reclamation programs to dismantle data centers after use, while Casselton City Council President Sam Wagner advocated for state-level regulations and transparency.
- By 2028, Applied Digital projects paying nearly $28 million annually in property taxes across North Dakota, representing approximately 6.1% of all corporate and centrally assessed property taxes collected statewide.
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North Dakota governor says data center transparency bill not needed
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong joined private industry and economic development groups to speak against a bill that would further restrict public officials and agencies from signing nondisclosure agreements with developers of data centers and other industrial projects. The bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 2406, if passed, would mean a project developer could see an agency […]
North Dakota legislative committee convenes to examine policy and community impacts of data center expansion
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Legislative Management Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee is underway today at the State Capitol to review policy, electrical grid, and regulatory frameworks surrounding data center development across the state. Chaired by Representative Jonathan Warrey (R-Casselton), the committee is scheduled to meet until 4 p.m. in the Brynhild Haugland Room. The agenda features presentations from state regulat…
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