Linn County considers EU-2 zoning path for data centers tied to nuclear plants

Linn County, Iowa, is currently evaluating a proposal to create a distinct zoning pathway for data centers directly connected to nuclear power plants. This discussion, led by the Planning and Zoning Commission, comes despite an existing 18-month moratorium on new large-scale data center applications, which was enacted earlier this month to allow county leaders time to study the environmental and infrastructural impacts of such developments.

Charlie Nichols, Planning and Development Director for Linn County, explained that the Board of Supervisors initiated the exploration into whether data centers supporting nuclear facilities, particularly for the potential restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center, warrant special consideration. The proposal involves potentially classifying these data centers as an accessory use within the county

However, the initiative faces opposition from some residents. Abe Kellison expressed concern that considering exceptions during the moratorium feels like a "loophole," while Wally Taylor argued that a data center functions as a customer, not an accessory use, to a nuclear plant. County officials emphasize that they are still gathering public feedback and have not yet drafted any amendments, with a potential first draft possibly presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission as early as August 17, followed by public hearings and a multi-reading vote by the Board of Supervisors.