Dubuque County Enacts 12-Month Moratorium on Data Center Development
Dubuque County supervisors have enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development applications to allow time for the creation of a regulatory ordinance. This decision followed significant public opposition to a potential data center project. City of Dubuque officials are also working to develop their own data center ordinance.
Dubuque County supervisors have enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications, following a 2-1 vote by Supervisors Ann McDonough and Harley Pothoff. The decision aims to provide the county with a year to develop comprehensive ordinances for regulating data center development. Supervisor Wayne Kenniker opposed the measure, which was extended from a previously proposed four-month period.
The moratorium comes after a surge of public opposition, with hundreds of community members protesting a potential data center project near the Dubuque Regional Airport. A developer had reportedly approached local landowners about selling farmland, leading to significant public outcry despite county officials stating there was no formal proposal or application.
In response to the county's action, city of Dubuque officials, including City Manager Mike Van Milligen, announced plans to draft their own data center ordinance. Van Milligen stated the city would actively work with legal and staff teams to clarify how data center projects could proceed within city jurisdiction, particularly concerning connections to municipal water and sewer systems. Developers have already inquired about these connections, indicating interest in the area.