County board approves data center moratorium
The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors has approved a one-year revocable moratorium on the construction of data centers and industrial battery storage facilities. This measure allows the county time to develop specific regulations concerning issues like water usage, power consumption, noise, and zoning for such facilities. The moratorium was unanimously approved by the board.
The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a one-year revocable moratorium on data center and industrial battery storage facility construction on June 16, 2026. Board chairman Don Kass initiated the proposal, aiming to give the county sufficient time to establish comprehensive legislation governing potential data center developments. The regulations will address concerns such as electricity supply and rates, water supply and quality, noise, infrastructure, and long-term pollution.
The resolution highlights a national trend of large-scale data center proliferation and the associated questions regarding resource usage and quality of life. It specifically tasks the Plymouth County Zoning Board with formulating proper zoning rules, requirements, siting, setbacks, and other necessary regulations. Supervisor Craig Anderson raised a question regarding the definition of a "large-scale data center," to which a zoning board member responded that the term is well-defined in sample resolutions being reviewed.
While the county works on its framework, existing major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Apple have significant data center footprints across other parts of Iowa, including the Des Moines metro, Altoona, Council Bluffs, and Waukee.