More NW Iowa counties joining Woodbury in placing moratoriums on data centers
Several Northwest Iowa counties, including Woodbury, Plymouth, and Sioux, have enacted one-year moratoriums on data center developments on unincorporated land. These actions are a response to growing public opposition and a proposed data center project in Salix, Woodbury County, involving MidAmerican Energy.
Three counties in Northwest Iowa—Woodbury, Plymouth, and Sioux—have enacted one-year moratoriums on data center and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects on unincorporated land. The Sioux County Board of Supervisors approved its moratorium on June 16, while the Plymouth County measure passed with a 4-0 vote. The Woodbury County Board enacted its 12-month moratorium on June 23, with Supervisor Matthew Ug citing actions in the county town of Salix as a catalyst.
These county-level bans follow growing public opposition, exemplified by a gathering of over 100 residents at Salix Community Park on June 15, 2026, to protest data center development. In a June 10 Salix City Council meeting, a representative from MidAmerican Energy confirmed the company's involvement in a proposed data center project in Salix. The city council had previously approved the annexation of approximately 950 acres of agricultural land, a decision that is not affected by Woodbury County's moratorium, as the county's authority does not extend to city council actions.