Linn County approves 18-month moratorium on data center applications

The Linn County Board of Supervisors voted on Wednesday to approve an 18-month moratorium on new applications for rezoning property for large-scale data centers in unincorporated Linn County. Supervisors Kirsten Running-Marquardt and Brandy Meisheid voted yes, while Sami Scheetz voted no, stating that the county's existing ordinance should have been tested before suspending rules.

The meeting saw a large turnout of constituents, with roughly 35 individuals speaking during public comment. Most expressed concerns regarding potential impacts such as electrical usage, water consumption, and environmental consequences, including pollution from an Alliant gas plant. While some attendees voiced valid concerns about jobs and economic development, Running-Marquardt emphasized the importance of smart economic development that benefits the community.

The resolution will pause new data center applications until January 1, 2028, but does not affect the 13 data centers currently under construction in Cedar Rapids, as the Board of Supervisors lacks jurisdiction within city limits. It also includes exceptions for data centers powered solely by nuclear or solar energy, a carveout that supports the potential restart and expansion of the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Palo.

Despite the moratorium, Google is actively seeking annexation into Palo for a proposed data center near the Duane Arnold plant, an effort expected to continue as a way to bypass county oversight. Running-Marquardt also highlighted national data indicating risks of data centers shifting infrastructure and power costs to residents, alongside local environmental and utility alignment concerns. She also addressed labor union worries by noting a regional worker shortage, suggesting the pause could help space out labor demand.