Data Center Impacts to be Discussed at Public Forum in Mapleton September 15
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
MAPLETON, N.D. - Vern Thompson, candidate for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, will host a Data Center Forum on Tuesday, September 15, 7:00-9:00 PM, at the Mapleton Community Center, 651 2nd St, Mapleton, ND. This event is for the public to have their voices heard and get answers on what we know about data center development across the state of North Dakota. Presenters will talk about energy and water use, development scale, benefits, impacts, and what communities can do to plan.
Agenda:
The Water Use Myth, presented by Environmental Engineer Sandra Larson
Data Center Power Use and Infrastructure, presented by Nuclear Engineer Ian Gilley
Responsible Hyperscale Development Framework, presented by Vern Thompson
Public Q&A
Current Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has been invited to attend. Representatives from Geronimo Power, a Minnesota company that is acquiring a parcel of land in Durbin Township between Casselton and Mapleton, have also been invited.
Thompson on public officials signing NDAs with developers:
“North Dakota deserves better than NDAs. North Dakota deserves time to think, plan, and protect its future.” - Vern Thompson
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About Vern Thompson
Vern Thompson, a former farmer and trucker, is the grassroots Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, running against incumbent Doug Goehring. The Agriculture Commissioner serves on the Industrial Commission, which shapes industrial development in North Dakota. Thompson is blowing the whistle on a rigged system that puts out-of-state corporations ahead of the farmers, ranchers, and communities North Dakota government is supposed to serve. Learn more at thompson4nd.com.
Contact:
Sandra Larson
Policy Development Specialist
Vern Thompson for ND Agriculture Commissioner
701-399-6203