Iron County Commissioners Consider Changes to Proposed Data Center Ordinance
Iron County commissioners are reviewing proposed rules for large data centers and other industrial projects, but took no action Monday. The county’s current moratorium expires Nov. 22, while officials and residents consider groundwater studies, water use, noise, air quality and the risk of abandoned projects.
Iron County commissioners are continuing to consider an ordinance regulating large data centers and other industrial projects ahead of the county’s Nov. 22 moratorium deadline. Commissioner Paul Cousins said he supports greater oversight but warned that overly strict requirements could discourage development.
County planner Brett Hamilton said a proposed water-use threshold would not prohibit projects exceeding the limit, but would trigger additional groundwater studies. Residents raised concerns about water resources, noise, air quality and unfinished or abandoned developments. The commission took no action Monday and is expected to continue reviewing the ordinance before the moratorium expires.