Supervisors pass budget amendment and zoning ordinance amendment regarding data centers, hear citizen concerns regarding their environmental and other impacts | The Standard Newspaper

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors convened a regular session on April 13 to address several key matters, including a public hearing for the Fiscal-Year 2026 budget amendment and the third reading of Amendment 20 to Zoning Ordinance L for Data Centers. The meeting was chaired by Tom Clark, with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Dan Byrnes also present. During the public comment period, Crystal Duffy of Postville vocalized significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of data centers on rural counties. She cited that a single data center could demand 870,000 megawatts per year, exceeding Allamakee County's average use by over three times, which could lead to substantial increases in electricity rates. Duffy also noted that data centers can consume one to five million gallons of water daily, comparable to the usage of 100,000 homes, primarily for their evaporative cooling systems. Additional concerns included noise pollution, with facilities operating at 90 decibels, above the threshold for human hearing harm, as well as light and air pollution. Duffy further discussed the challenges of holding corporations accountable for environmental impacts such as unauthorized well drilling and water depletion. Following the public hearing, the Supervisors proceeded to approve both the FY26 Budget Amendment and the Zoning Ordinance Amendment related to data centers. Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) was also recognized for her advocacy at the recent Iowa Rural Summit in Dubuque.