Ames establishes 15-member data center study committee
The Ames City Council established a 15-member volunteer committee to study data center impacts after significant public opposition to a Lightedge proposal led to a decision delay until May 2027. The committee will research environmental effects, while the council works on zoning and ordinance changes and noise regulations. This action effectively places a temporary halt on new data center developments in Ames.
The Ames City Council has formed a 15-member volunteer committee to investigate the environmental and regulatory impacts of data centers, following significant public opposition to a Lightedge data center proposal. This move comes after the council voted to delay a decision on data center development until May 2027, citing a need for comprehensive information and new regulations. The delay initiated a 12-step review process, which includes potential zoning and ordinance changes, as well as noise regulations.
The committee, selected from over 50 applicants, is tasked with researching specific environmental concerns such as heat generation, localized temperature increases, and effects on wildlife habitats and human health. Its first meeting is mandated by September 30, with initial research due by December 31 and a full report expected by March 13, 2025. Council members, including Ward 1 Rep. Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Ward 3 Rep. Gloria Betcher, and Ex-Officio Trey Anderson, expressed satisfaction with the diverse expertise among the selected volunteers.
Meanwhile, Lightedge, the company whose proposal spurred this action, has reportedly shifted its development focus to Boone, Iowa. The company plans to acquire 10 acres in the Boone Business Park to build a "colocation facility" designed to house servers for various clients, including banks and hospitals. Ames city officials praised the thoroughness of their approach, contrasting it with general moratoriums.