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I support reviewing and clearly defining our zoning ordinance regarding data centers. I have supported that effort from the beginning. While a moratorium is now being implemented, I do not believe one is necessary. Instead, I believe our focus should be on ensuring that any future data center is built using current technology that addresses many of the concerns residents have raised.
I know that data centers can be built responsibly. Modern designs no longer require the massive amounts of water often associated with older facilities. Many legacy data centers are already upgrading to more efficient cooling technologies, while information about facilities that have not modernized is readily available. I would support requirements for either a closed-loop cooling system or a hybrid system that combines outside air cooling with a closed-loop design to minimize water consumption.
Concerns about light pollution should also be considered in the context of our existing ordinances. Marshalltown’s current code determines parking lighting requirements based on employee count. Although a data center may occupy a large building, it does not require a massive parking lot with hundreds of unnecessary light poles. In fact, a data center could realistically generate less light pollution than many existing businesses.
Noise is another concern that can be effectively managed. Data centers are generally much quieter than a typical manufacturing facility. Hearing protection is not required even inside most data centers. Exterior noise primarily comes from cooling equipment such as air-conditioning chillers. This noise can be mitigated through proper setbacks, sound walls, and acoustic louvers on the equipment itself. While these facilities can meet current industrial noise standards without additional measures, I believe extra steps should be taken because the sound is continuous rather than intermittent.
Data centers do consume a significant amount of electricity, but there are benefits that accompany that demand. Utility infrastructure improvements such as new transmission lines, poles, substations, and related upgrades would be funded by the data centers that require them. These are investments that would otherwise be funded over time through costs passed on to us as customers. Because regulated utilities earn a fixed return on infrastructure investments, having major users contribute to those upgrades can help reduce the share of costs borne by other customers. In addition, these upgrades can improve the overall reliability and efficiency of the electrical grid.
I am not opposed to data centers, provided they are built responsibly and held to clear, modern standards. Rather than focusing solely on what could go wrong, we should establish regulations that ensure new facilities address legitimate concerns regarding water use, lighting, noise, and infrastructure impacts while allowing our community to benefit from responsible development.
Greg Nichols represents Ward 3 on the Marshalltown City Council.