Dubuque County residents push for stronger long-term limits on data centers
Residents in Dubuque County, Iowa, are advocating for stronger, long-term limitations on data center development, despite an existing 12-month moratorium. During a Board of Supervisors meeting, citizens raised concerns about potential impacts on water, land, and national security, urging the board to finalize and approve the current moratorium language to advance work on a permanent ordinance.
Dubuque County residents are pressing local officials for more stringent, long-term restrictions on data center construction. This appeal comes despite an existing 12-month moratorium, with residents calling for protections beyond the temporary halt and a yet-to-be-finished ordinance.
During a recent Dubuque County Board of Supervisors meeting, public commenters voiced concerns regarding the potential strain data centers could place on local resources like water and land. Resident Wayne Kohlenberg characterized data centers as "surveillance centers" and a "national security threat," highlighting broader statewide unrest over such developments.
Another resident, Mike Walter, urged the board to promptly clarify and approve the current moratorium's language. Walter emphasized that this action would provide "peace of mind" to neighbors and allow the county to advance its efforts in drafting comprehensive, permanent regulations for data center development. Both residents stressed the urgency of the board's action to avoid further delays.