Here's what Iowans can — and can't — do about hyperscale data centers
Clinton residents are opposing a proposed $10 billion QTS hyperscale data center campus, citing concerns about water use, power demand, air pollution and noise. The city is developing a data center ordinance, while Iowa communities and counties consider regional rules for managing similar projects.
Residents and the grassroots group Clintonians Against Data Centers are pressing Clinton officials to address the potential impacts of QTS’s proposed 10-building data center campus near Clinton Municipal Airport. Opponents, including resident Christine Voss, have raised concerns about water consumption, diesel backup generators, air pollution, noise and the project’s effect on the community.
Clinton is drafting an ordinance that could establish requirements for water studies, power infrastructure, setbacks and other safeguards, but local governments cannot use zoning to impose an outright ban. Officials and planning experts say Iowa communities need better information about long-term water and energy impacts, while developers and supporters point to tax revenue, infrastructure investments and construction-related employment. Separately, Google is discussing a potential data center near the Duane Arnold nuclear plant with the city of Palo and Linn County, prompting calls for greater regional coordination.