Clinton data center ordinance to be discussed at Tuesday meeting
The City of Clinton, Iowa, is discussing a controversial proposed ordinance to regulate data center development, primarily driven by a proposed 1,100-acre hyperscale data center by QTS. Local group "Clintonians Against Data Centers" (CADC) is actively opposing the project, citing environmental, infrastructure, and economic concerns, and is advocating for an 18-month moratorium and a public vote. The discussion is ongoing with multiple public meetings and advocacy efforts.
The City of Clinton, Iowa, is currently engaged in extensive discussions surrounding a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating data center development within its boundaries. This initiative is largely spurred by QTS's plans to construct an 1,100-acre hyperscale data center, an estimated $10 billion investment, near the Clinton Municipal Airport. The proposed ordinance would establish rules for the siting, construction, operation, and expansion of data centers.
Local residents, organized under the "Clintonians Against Data Centers" (CADC) group, are vociferously opposing the project and the current draft ordinance. Following a tour of a QTS site in Cedar Rapids, CADC members Stephen Figg and Celeste Robbins voiced increased concerns regarding potential displacement of wildlife, the creation of local jobs, the purpose of the data center, and the city's financial incentives, including tax abatements. CADC is requesting an 18-month moratorium on data center development and a public vote on the matter, emphasizing environmental impacts, water and electricity usage, and infrastructure demands.
Prominent environmental activist Erin Brockovich and The Brockovich Report have also lent support to the Clintonians' cause, highlighting community concerns. CADC spokesperson Kevin Bradley and steering committee members Theresa Edwards and Christine Voss advocate for comprehensive studies on environmental impacts, electricity consumption, and emergency plans before any approvals. They also oppose QTS's requests to reduce setbacks and move technical information to later review stages.
Meanwhile, proponents like Bill Gerhard, former president of the Iowa State Building Construction Trades Council, and Dylan Gramlich of Laborers International Union of North America, argue that data centers bring significant construction and permanent jobs, property tax revenue, and economic growth without adverse effects on energy or water rates, citing the positive experience with Microsoft in West Des Moines. The ordinance is set for further discussion at a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 1st, with additional public hearings anticipated after a revised draft.