Committee asks whether state trust land policy treats data centers differently; department says no pre‑designation

Lawmakers asked whether the department maintains a map or site‑selection tool similar to its solar 'score' map for data centers and whether bid qualifications differ for data centers versus other commercial sales. Commissioner Robin Seyhead said the department does not pre‑designate sites for data centers; it evaluates submitted applications and works with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with zoning and infrastructure requirements.

"We wouldn't necessarily predetermine that. We work with applicants that come to the department," Seyhead said. She added that data‑center developers rarely win State Trust auctions and that, to her knowledge, no data‑center projects are currently pending. Members asked the department to double‑check whether any data‑center inquiries are in the pipeline; Seyhead agreed to follow up.