Poweshiek County passes moratorium on data centers
The Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors approved a 12-month moratorium banning data centers, or until permanent zoning rules are adopted. County officials are beginning to draft regulations that could address water and electricity use, setbacks and other impacts, despite no formal data center proposals currently being submitted.
The Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 on Sept. 28 to enact a 12-month moratorium on data centers, or until permanent zoning ordinances are established. Vice Chairperson Jacki Bolen cast the lone dissenting vote, preferring a six-month moratorium. County officials said the measure is intended to provide time for developing rules before any data center proposal is submitted.
The Poweshiek County Zoning Commission is preparing draft ordinances with public hearings expected before adoption. Officials are considering restrictions on electricity demand, water consumption and the distance between facilities and homes, while discussing closed-loop cooling systems as a way to reduce water use. Supporters also cited potential tax-base benefits, though a Grinnell College policy professor cautioned that data centers create relatively few permanent jobs and that tax incentives could limit long-term local gains.