Palo commission recommends new regulations for Google data center

The City of Palo’s Planning and Zoning Commission has voted to recommend a new ordinance establishing regulations for a proposed Google data center in Palo, Iowa. This decision marks a significant step forward for the project, which Google is now pursuing exclusively with the City of Palo after abandoning similar negotiations with Linn County earlier this year. The data center is slated to be built near the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Facility, which is reactivating primarily to supply power to the new facility. The recommended ordinance from Palo features several key differences when compared to Linn County’s previous proposal. Notably, Palo’s ordinance omits Linn County’s requirement for a county-conducted water study and a specific water usage agreement with the county. Instead, Palo mandates Google obtain a water permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which will also handle any violations. Furthermore, Linn County had required Google to enter an Economic Development Agreement, a provision that is only conditional in Palo’s new ordinance, dependent on Google's request. Regarding transparency, the Palo ordinance allows Google to redact information deemed confidential or proprietary, a contrast to Linn County’s demand for open records where redactions would need state law justification. The Palo Planning and Zoning Commission approved this agreement in less than 30 minutes, and it now proceeds to the City Council for a public hearing and final vote. Prior to issuing a building permit, Palo also requires Google to submit a comprehensive site plan, project timeline, emergency response plan, noise limits, and road use agreements.