Despite putting ordinance in place, Linn County passes data center moratorium
The Linn County Board of Supervisors in Iowa has enacted an 18-month moratorium on new data centers in rural areas, despite having a data center ordinance already in place. The decision, passed with a 2-1 vote, stems from concerns about water consumption, pollution, and energy costs. One supervisor opposed the moratorium, warning it could push development to less protected cities.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors in Iowa voted 2-1 to enact an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in rural areas. This decision was made following hours of public comment and ongoing concerns from residents and board members regarding the environmental and economic impacts of data centers. Key issues cited include unanswered questions about water consumption, pollution, and energy costs.
Supervisor Brandy Meisheid, who brought the issue to the board, stated that local elected officials lack sufficient information to make informed decisions and are pressured to act quicker than appropriate. Supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt supported the moratorium, highlighting that neither data center companies nor power plant companies have adequately addressed public inquiries about water, power, and costs, thus failing to provide the transparency residents deserve.
However, Supervisor Sami Scheetz voted against the moratorium. He argued that a data center ordinance passed by the county months prior already provides enough protection. Scheetz expressed concern that the moratorium would cause data center companies to target cities within the county that might offer fewer protections, ultimately pushing projects towards locations with the weakest regulations.