Supervisor raises concerns about data centers

Adair County Supervisor Jodie Hoadley has raised concerns about the potential impacts of data centers in the county and is suggesting the creation of a county ordinance to regulate them. Hoadley noted that the county has received word of plans for new high-voltage power lines and a substation, which she believes is likely to support future data centers. She is worried about the significant electricity and water usage of these facilities, particularly as the county's water tables are already declining. While Adair County does not have zoning ordinances, Hoadley believes they can use Iowa Code to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents from the impacts of data centers. She has drafted a proposed ordinance that aims to establish comprehensive standards for the development and operation of data centers in the county, including managing their resource demands and mitigating potential nuisances like noise and light pollution. The Adair County Board of Supervisors has agreed to consider Hoadley's proposal for a data center ordinance, as the county looks to balance economic development with the needs of local residents and resources.