This U.S. Town Welcomed Data Centers When Others Said No

WHO:

The Washington Post - Harwood, North Dakota, is described as a town that voted in favor of data centers.

TechRadar - A new American database documents public comments at local government meetings about data centers.

WHAT:

Mashable - Harwood voted against restrictions on its proposed data center.

The Washington Post - Harwood may be the only place in the United States that voted in favor of data centers.

Drudge Report - The headline describes Harwood as the “Only town in USA that said yes to data centers.”

TechRadar - A report says 90% of public comments at local government meetings are negative toward data centers.

TechRadar - The database report describes overwhelming public opposition to data centers.

WHERE:

The Washington Post - Harwood is in North Dakota; the article frames the comparison as being across the United States.

TechRadar - The cited public comments were made at local government meetings in America.

WHY:

TechRadar - Water consumption, electricity costs, and pollution are identified as concerns driving community opposition to data centers.

(UPDATED November 8, 2026 22:02 UTC)

Harwood, North Dakota, voted against restrictions on its proposed data center, bucking widespread opposition. A new American database finds about ninety percent of public comments oppose data centers. Residents cite concerns over water use, electricity costs, and pollution at local meetings.

--

(UPDATED November 8, 2026 19:59 UTC)

Harwood, North Dakota, may be the only U.S. town to approve data centers. A new database finds roughly 90 percent of public comments oppose them. Residents cite concerns over water consumption, electricity costs, and pollution.