Data Centers the Iowa Way

Few issues have generated as much discussion in Iowa as data centers. Some see opportunities. Others worry about energy, farmland, water, and the character of their communities. Our choice is not whether Iowa will see more data centers, but whether we will manage their development wisely. Based on decades of working with Iowans across the political spectrum, I am confident we don’t have to choose between protecting communities and welcoming data centers.

I have been in public life for more than 15 years, as a school board member, in the state legislature, and as one of Governor Reynolds’ appointees to the Iowa Utilities Board. I have always approached tough topics the same way: learn about the issue and need; learn as much as I can about all sides of an issue; and, look for solutions that benefit communities and citizens.

Data centers are integral to our daily lives: from checking the weather, using GPS, streaming video, or conducting medical research. Data centers in America play an increasingly important role in protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure and security.

Data centers fit Iowa’s story. We are national leaders in ethanol, wind, solar, and other innovative projects. The same forward‑looking approach can help us host data centers in a way that benefits our communities while strengthening our energy and technology leadership.

I recognize Iowans have concerns and questions: from energy and land use to water, sound, light, and traffic impacts. These facilities power new technologies that we do not yet fully understand, and we should not take these questions lightly. Each data center, like any new development, needs to address community concerns and demonstrate clear benefits.

Altogether, three facts live side‑by‑side: a need for this critical infrastructure, legitimate community questions, and meaningful opportunities to support local communities. That is exactly the situation where good policy and local leadership should step in.

What sometimes gets lost in the debate is that data centers are essential to modern life and work and are essential to a strong economy. Data Centers:

• create construction work and support skilled trades,
• strengthen the local tax base for years to come; and,
• create permanent technical and maintenance jobs.

Data centers often come with significant community contributions: Google’s investment helped Council Bluffs launch citywide Wi-Fi, and Microsoft’s partnership in Quincy helped fund industrial water reuse infrastructure. Clearly data centers can have lasting benefits outside their property lines.

Elected officials should not have to say “yes” or “no” to everything; they should work with all parties to craft responsible rules and regulations, so Iowa can lead, rather than be led.

Linn County’s ordinance offers one example: independent water studies, setbacks and protections for neighboring property owners, infrastructure agreements that shield taxpayers from new costs, meaningful public participation, and community benefit investments funded by developers. Linn County and communities like Palo studied the issues, heard from residents, and crafted thoughtful ordinances that address community concerns while providing a pathway for responsible projects.

That is why I was surprised to see Linn County adopt a moratorium after so much work went into developing clear standards. Once those standards exist, further delays create uncertainty without improving public protections.

Oftentimes debates become polarized because we assume there are only two choices: approve every project or reject every project.

Iowa has succeeded by embracing innovation while insisting it serve the public good. We did it in agriculture and renewable energy. Data centers are no different. If we establish clear rules, protect our communities, and welcome responsible investment, Iowa can remain an agricultural leader, an energy leader, and a technology leader for generations to come.

Swati Dandekar is the chairman of Bright Future Iowa. She is a former ambassador, state utility regulator, and state legislator.