Where Iowa governor candidates stand on cancer, water, property taxes
Iowa gubernatorial candidates Zach Lahn and Rob Sand outlined competing approaches to data center development. Lahn proposed a temporary moratorium on new data centers until rules address utility costs, water use and infrastructure, while Sand said data centers should pay the full costs they create and protect Iowa’s water and power resources.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn said he would impose a temporary moratorium on new data centers in Iowa while the state develops rules governing their impacts. He said facilities should pay their full share of electricity, water and infrastructure costs and that local communities should receive a clear path to approve projects once protections are in place.
Democratic candidate Rob Sand did not endorse a moratorium but said data centers must cover 100% of the infrastructure and energy costs they create, act as responsible stewards of water and power, and avoid shifting costs onto Iowa residents. The candidates’ responses were part of a Des Moines Register voter questionnaire covering major campaign issues.