Clinton could bring a data center to town

The City of Clinton, Iowa, is deliberating whether to permit data centers within its jurisdiction, a decision that has sparked a local debate regarding economic benefits versus environmental impacts. The Clinton City Council had scheduled an ordinance related to data center development for a vote, but it was postponed for a few weeks to allow for additional preparation. This local consideration comes after the Clinton County Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance last fall to prohibit data centers on unincorporated land, leaving the decision to individual cities and towns within the county. Andy Sokolovich, President of Grow Clinton, is actively engaged in negotiations with a potential bidder for a data center campus, citing the substantial tax revenue such a development could inject into the local economy. Sokolovich emphasized that the city needs to be competitive in attracting such opportunities, noting the larger tax base in neighboring Scott County, where Meta is currently constructing a data center near the Davenport Airport. He argues that tax revenue from a data center could alleviate the tax burden on Clinton residents and that Eastern Iowa deserves a share of this development. Conversely, environmentalists are voicing significant concerns, focusing on the massive water and electricity consumption by data centers, as well as the potential for contamination, referencing ongoing issues with PFAS in Clinton County. They also highlight the need for guidelines for decommissioning data centers, given the metals and technology that could end up in local landfills. Mayor Scott Maddaisson indicated that the discussion for the data center ordinance would likely occur during a May City Council meeting, following the postponement for further review.