Google Apologizes for Clearing 530 Hectares of Finnish Forest for Data Centers

Finland's regulator LVV suspended preparatory work at Google's Muhos and Kajaani data center sites after 530 hectares of forest were cleared before required environmental impact assessments. Google apologized and said it will comply; part of its €13 billion Finnish program is now in dispute.

• About 530 hectares cleared: 330 hectares in Muhos and just under 200 in Kajaani
• LVV halted tree removal, excavation, quarrying and road construction
• Google said it 'fell short of our own high standards' and apologized
• Google's Finnish investment program totals €13 billion over two years