Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh Weighs in On Potential Data Center
Dubuque residents overwhelmingly oppose data center development in the city, with a recent survey showing 76% disapproval. Dubuque County supervisors have already enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers. The city council and Mayor Brad Cavanagh are now considering potential bans or ordinances.
Dubuque, Iowa, is grappling with significant community opposition to potential data center developments, reflecting broader concerns about electricity usage and environmental impacts across the United States. A community survey in Dubuque revealed that 76% of approximately 3,800 respondents would not support a data center in the city, with only 3% expressing full support.
In response to these concerns, Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh voiced his opinion during a recent work session, stating he felt "no sense of urgency at all to rush towards building data centers" and no allegiance to AI companies. This follows a decision in May where Dubuque County supervisors voted 2-1 to enact a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments. Supervisors Ann McDonough and Harley Pothoff supported the moratorium, while Supervisor Wayne Kenniker opposed it.
The city council is currently weighing options, including pursuing a ban, a moratorium, or a new ordinance to regulate data centers. Residents' primary concerns cited in the survey were power/energy use, water consumption, and environmental impacts.