Dubuque County Supervisors Approve One-Year Moratorium on Data Center
Dubuque County Supervisors have approved a one-year moratorium on data center development following significant public opposition, including a petition with over 7,800 signatures. The decision aims to give the county time to develop an ordinance regulating future data centers, addressing concerns over electricity usage and environmental impact.
Dubuque County Supervisors voted 2-1 to enact a 12-month moratorium on data center development, responding to intense public opposition and a petition gathering over 7,800 signatures. Supervisors Ann McDonough and Harley Pothoff supported the moratorium, while Supervisor Wayne Kenniker voted against it, arguing it wouldn't offer proper protection for the county or residents.
The decision comes after the Dubuque County Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the potential for large-scale data centers, which prompted hundreds of residents to attend meetings to voice concerns. Although no formal applications from businesses have been submitted yet, residents are worried about the environmental impact, particularly concerning electricity and water usage, and the strain on electric grids driven by the AI boom.
The moratorium will allow Dubuque County to develop a comprehensive ordinance to regulate any future data center construction. Initially, a four-month moratorium was drafted, but public scrutiny led to the longer, one-year pause.