Finland says Google faces no penalties for alleged illegal forest clearing

Finland’s environment and climate minister, Sari Multala, confirmed that Google will not receive sanctions for suspected illegal logging linked to its data-center projects in Muhos and Kajaani. The licensing and supervision authority had previously instructed the company to stop preparatory work until the environmental impact assessments for both sites are finalized. Multala explained that the halt must continue because the projects seem to have contravened the environmental impact assessment law, including a 330-hectare clearing at Muhos before the assessment was finished.

She noted that the existing environmental legislation does not provide a mechanism for imposing direct penalties in such cases. Multala also said she cannot determine how fully the involved parties understood the situation or what responsibilities the local municipalities held.