Waterloo residents push for transparency on data centers
Residents in Waterloo, Iowa, are protesting a data center development plan, demanding transparency, a temporary moratorium, and an environmental impact study. While the City Council approved a development agreement last year, the project still faces more hurdles before final approval.
People protested a data center plan outside the Waterloo City Council chambers on Monday evening, advocating for greater public involvement and transparency in the planning process. Protesters expressed concerns about the environmental impact and resource strain, specifically calling for a temporary moratorium on any new data center agreements until a comprehensive impact study can be completed.
Residents, while supporting economic growth, emphasize the need for more transparency and involvement in the planning process. One attendee voiced discontent over plans to build the data center at Abor and Highway 20. The Waterloo City Council had previously approved a development agreement for this project late last year, but the project requires further approvals before finalization.