Google's Finnish data center project faces investigation over forest clearing

Google's data center project near Muhos, Finland, is under investigation after its local operator, Tuike Finland, allegedly cleared over 300 hectares of forest before a mandatory environmental impact assessment, Tom's Hardware reported, citing AFP. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation filed a request to suspend operations while compliance with the law is clarified. Its board chair, Hanna Halmeenpaa, also alleged that some nature preservation areas had been logged. The development forms part of Google's 13-billion-euro investment in Finland over the next two years. Google said the tree felling complied with Forestry Act requirements and that high-value nature zones had been protected during the work.