Clinton community holds No Data Center Concert
The Clinton community in Iowa held a "No Data Center" concert to protest a proposed QTS hyperscale data center, aiming to raise awareness about its potential environmental impact. Residents signed petitions hoping to amend the city's latest ordinance draft before an upcoming city council meeting.
Residents of Clinton, Iowa, organized a "No Data Center Concert" in Riverview Park to protest the proposed QTS hyperscale data center, which would be the largest in the state. Despite rain, the free event aimed to raise awareness about the potential impacts of the development.
Concert promoter Robbie Barr, inspired by the advocacy group Clintonians Against Data Centers, stated that the community is not opposed to technology or progress but to "irresponsible development." Concerns include the permanent loss of farm ground and the potential for the data center to become obsolete, leaving the land unusable.
Attendees at the concert signed multiple petitions proposing amendments to the city's latest ordinance draft. These amendments aim to prohibit dangerous practices by hyperscale data centers and include compromises such as limits on resource use and infrastructure. The ordinance draft is scheduled for discussion at a city council meeting on September 22nd, with Clintonians Against Data Centers hoping for these compromises if the project proceeds.