Or Emet Program to Examine Risks of AI‑Driven Data Center Boom in Minnesota

On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10-11:30 a.m., Or Emet will host a Humanistic Shabbat service led by Rabbi Eva Cohen followed by a presentation by Evan Mulholland, a staff attorney with the nonprofit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. A social time will follow.

The events will take place at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis. 

Mulholland will discuss the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence-driven data centers in Minnesota and the environmental risks associated with hyperscale development. As director of MCEA’s Healthy Communities program, he works to protect Minnesotans and the state’s natural resources from the threats tied to large‑scale industrial projects.

The organization has filed five ongoing lawsuits challenging the environmental review conducted on hyperscale data centers proposed in Lakeville, North Mankato, Hermantown, Pine Island and Faribault. 

Mulholland holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Brandeis University, a law degree from Harvard Law School and a master of laws degree in environmental law from Vermont Law School.

Those who cannot attend the program in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.

Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.

For more information about Or Emet, email [email protected] or visit oremet.org.