County eyes ordinance on data centers

A proposed high-voltage power line through eastern Adair County that is still in development is prompting county supervisors to consider rules for data centers, aiming to balance new development with farmland preservation and quality-of-life concerns.

County officials learned earlier this year from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator that a new transmission line could be built in the eastern part of the county. More details about the project are expected in May. As currently proposed, the line would enter the northern part of the county and transfer power between an existing substation in the Arbor Hill Wind Farm area and a new substation near York Avenue in the southeastern part of the county.

Supervisor Jodie Hoadley said MISO initially considered a line about half the size of the one now proposed. The current plan calls for a 765-kilovolt transmission line with support towers taller than 10 stories, a scale that could significantly affect Hebron area farms.

“That’s a lot for that area to take on,” Hoadley said.

Hoadley noted that data centers require large amounts of electricity to operate efficiently. She said land negotiations in the Hebron area could involve more than just the transmission line, which is designed to distribute electricity from local wind turbines more efficiently.

Iowa law allows cities and counties to manage local affairs and adopt policies as long as they don’t conflict with state law. That would permit Adair County to implement an ordinance regulating data centers if officials choose to do so.

“I have great concern that they’re making offers on land out in the Hebron area, not just for the high line, and that this is something they’re diligently working on,” Hoadley said.

She emphasized that an ordinance would not block developers but would place restrictions to address environmental and quality-of-life concerns. Hoadley shared suggested language based on ordinances adopted in Linn and Jones counties.

Supervisors said any ordinance specific to Adair County would need to be drafted by legal counsel.

“There’s a lot getting dumped out in that area, and the people there have century farms and their heritage is out there,” Hoadley said. “I’ve been there the least amount of time — a little over 40 years — and the people who live there, they live there for a reason.”

Supervisor Matt Wedemeyer said he supports drafting an ordinance but wants to ensure it would be effective.

“I’m all aboard for putting something together,” he said, adding he does not want it to end up “worthless” like the pipeline ordinance the supervisors later repealed.

Supervisor Michael Christoffersen said the county must strike a balance between encouraging development and ensuring developers work with county leaders.

Supervisor Nathan Baier said setback requirements should be measured from residential dwellings rather than property lines.

Hoadley agreed that the county must be careful not to overreach.

“We cannot completely shut the door on them coming in there, because if we’re unreasonable …” she said.

Baier said he would prefer the supervisors review a draft ordinance themselves before paying an attorney for multiple revisions.

Christoffersen asked whether the Iowa Utilities Board regulates data centers, but Hoadley said it does not.

Supervisor Jerry Walker said he would like to discuss the issue with officials from other counties at an Iowa State Association of Counties conference some supervisors were scheduled to attend later in the week.