Linn County commission opens discussion on allowing data centers alongside nuclear power
The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission is discussing a proposed ordinance amendment to allow data centers co-located with nuclear power plants in the EU-2 zoning district, despite an existing 18-month moratorium on data center rezoning applications in the EU-3 district. Residents expressed strong opposition, viewing the proposal as a loophole that could undermine the moratorium and raise concerns about water use and enforcement. The commission plans to review draft language for the amendment at a future meeting, pending further public input.
The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission has initiated public discourse on a potential amendment to its zoning ordinance that would permit data centers supporting nuclear power facilities in the EU-2 zoning district. This discussion comes even as an 18-month moratorium on new data center rezoning applications remains in effect for the county's EU-3 large-scale data center district. Charlie Nichols, Linn County's planning and development director, stated that the Board of Supervisors' moratorium resolution specifically directed staff to explore whether data centers tied to nuclear power should receive separate consideration.
The proposal aims to leverage the high capacity factor of nuclear generation and long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) that data center operators offer, citing Google's PPA with NextEra Energy for the proposed restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Linn County as a key example. Mr. Nichols outlined that any EU-2 data centers would still be subject to requirements similar to EU-3, including site plans, water studies, noise standards, and economic benefit agreements, while also seeking public input on how to define an "accessory" relationship between a data center and a nuclear facility, and ensure long-term verification.
However, residents and some commission members voiced significant concerns. Tina DuBois, commission chair, questioned enforcement capacity against large companies like Google and advocated for a closed-loop water system requirement. Several residents, including Abe Kellison and Martha Scheer of Fairfax, called the proposal a "loophole" that circumvents the existing moratorium, arguing that data centers are customers, not accessory uses, and that the county should complete its comprehensive study before creating exceptions. Wally Taylor of Marion and other residents also raised issues about the definition of "renewable" energy for nuclear power and potential financial burdens on ratepayers if data center projects falter.
The commission did not take a vote, and Mr. Nichols indicated that staff would continue gathering public comments through the August 17 meeting, where draft amendment language might be presented, though the timeline remains flexible based on public input. The discussion highlighted a strong divide between the county's efforts to attract data center investment via nuclear energy and community desires for robust regulatory oversight and adherence to existing moratoriums.