SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) – Clay County has again tabled a decision on whether to impose temporary moratoriums on data centers, wind energy, solar energy and battery energy storage systems.

During the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday August 18, Planning and Zoning Consultant Steve Hallgren said he recently attended a webinar discussing data centers.

Supervisor Allen Batschelet noted that only a small number of Iowa counties have enacted similar moratoriums and said supervisors should take time to fully understand both the advantages and drawbacks before moving forward.

Hallgren explained that under current county zoning regulations, a proposed data center would be reviewed primarily for basic zoning compliance.

Following discussion, supervisors agreed more information is needed before moving forward.

Hallgren said he will assemble information and examples from other county and local governments for a workshop session where supervisors can learn more about the potential impacts and benefits of the industries before making any decisions.