Linn County backs away from data center exception tied to nuclear power
Linn County leaders have decided against moving forward with a proposed exception to the county's data center moratorium, which would have allowed data centers tied to nuclear power facilities. This decision came after significant public opposition to the potential zoning changes required for such an exception. The county will continue to study the issue without making long-term zoning changes without a specific project.
Linn County leaders announced they will not pursue a special exception to their 18-month data center moratorium, which would have allowed large-scale data centers connected to nuclear power facilities. The moratorium, approved last month, prompted staff to explore a zoning pathway for such developments, particularly around the Dwayne Arnold site.
However, when the idea was presented to the planning and zoning commission, the majority of public feedback was unfavorable, expressing continued concerns about data centers even when tied to nuclear power. Supervisors concluded that it would not be sound policymaking to implement long-term zoning changes without a specific project, especially given the constituent feedback.
County officials emphasized that this decision does not impact NextEra's existing plans to restart the Dwayne Arnold nuclear facility. Instead, it places any potential future data center development linked to nuclear power on hold while Linn County continues its broader study of data center-related issues.