Supervisors to seek expert advice and legal counsel on data centers, possible moratorium

The Lee County Board of Supervisors in Iowa is actively considering a temporary moratorium on new data center construction and has informally agreed to seek legal counsel and expert advice. During a work session, supervisors indicated that a brief moratorium, possibly lasting six months, is likely needed to allow the county time to develop regulations for data centers. This comes as the county currently lacks a comprehensive countywide zoning ordinance to address potential negative consequences from such developments, particularly concerns over water and electricity consumption.

Board members, including Chair Ginger Knisley and District 3 Supervisor Chuck Holmes, emphasized the need for careful research and precise definitions of what constitutes a data center. District 2 Supervisor Dr. Tim Wondra stressed clarity in what the county aims to regulate or stop, while District 4 Supervisor Garry Seyb suggested consulting with Lee County Engineer Ben Hull and County Attorney Ross Braden before proceeding with an ordinance similar to existing solar/wind/battery storage regulations. Seyb expressed a desire to slow down a potential future rush of data centers without halting current projects or preventing landowners from negotiating with developers.

Lee County Engineer Ben Hull relayed a conversation with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC), who had been contacted by an unnamed developer working on a local data center project seeking to use solar power. SEIRPC advised caution given the county's lack of a plan or zoning ordinance. Supervisors noted that neighboring Henry and Des Moines counties have recently passed data center moratoriums, while the Clinton City Council rejected one, indicating a broader trend of such discussions across the U.S. Supervisors concluded the session by agreeing to consult with Attorney Braden before determining further steps.