Supervisor suggests reviewing ordinance

Adair County, Iowa, is actively pursuing regulations for data center development following the recent approval of a moratorium. Supervisor Jodie Hoadley suggested the Board of Supervisors review an updated draft of a data center ordinance she has been developing, with plans for further discussion on the agenda. Neighboring Madison and Union counties are reportedly considering similar regulatory measures. Hoadley initiated the ordinance and moratorium due to concerns over the significant electricity and water demands of data centers, and their potential impact on local residents. She highlighted the planned upgrade of power infrastructure in eastern Adair County, including a substation and a 765,000 kilovolt line, which she believes underscores the need to regulate resource-intensive data centers to ensure grid stability. While Adair County lacks traditional zoning ordinances, Hoadley cited Iowa Code provisions that allow counties to protect residents' health, safety, and welfare. Board Chairman Jerry Walker previously voiced concerns that the moratorium could deter new businesses and impede county growth, potentially impacting local employment. Hoadley emphasized the importance of proactively addressing such projects before it's "too late for us to have an opinion."