Dubuque County passes 12-month moratorium on data centers
Dubuque County leaders have passed a 12-month moratorium on data centers after a contentious special meeting. The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 for the temporary halt, giving the county time to research and draft new zoning regulations for data centers. Community members expressed significant concerns during the meeting.
The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors in Iowa has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development, following a 2-1 vote at a special meeting on Tuesday. The decision came after significant community engagement, with over 250 people attending in person and virtually, voicing concerns about potential data center projects.
Supervisors Ann McDonough and Harley Pothoff voted in favor of the temporary halt, while Wayne Kenniker voted against it. The meeting was reportedly heated, marked by shouting and interruptions from the public. This action follows a packed County Zoning Board meeting a week prior, where hundreds gathered to discuss the possibility of a data center coming to Dubuque County.
The moratorium is intended to provide county staff with time to research and draft comprehensive zoning regulations specifically for data centers. Earlier this month, the Dubuque County Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended that the board halt future data center plans until more information could be gathered. While the county has not received any formal applications, residents have reported that companies are inquiring about purchasing land for data center development.