The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Audubon County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Audubon County has enacted a pause on accepting or processing applications for commercial data centers until May 1, 2027, or adoption of a permanent ordinance; existing centers may continue operating.
Rating from Iowa statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Audubon County.
Specific to Audubon County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily prohibits Audubon County from accepting or processing applications to build commercial data centers until May 1, 2027, or until a permanent data center ordinance is adopted.Audubon County Resolution 2026-27 (2026)
What this means
The measure would stop the county from accepting or processing applications to build commercial data centers until May 1, 2027, or until a permanent ordinance is adopted (moratorium on applications). That creates a major barrier to building or expanding during the moratorium, though it does not prohibit operating existing centers.
Timing
- Ends
- 2027-05-01 or upon passage of a permanent BESS or Data Center Development ordinance
The measure imposes temporary moratoria on utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems and commercial Data Centers. Each ends on 2027-05-01 or earlier upon passage of the applicable permanent development ordinance.
People behind it
- Heath Hansen
Moved the motions to approve the temporary moratorium resolutions on utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems and commercial Data Centers.
- Don Mosinski
Seconded the motions to approve the temporary moratorium resolutions on utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems and commercial Data Centers.
- Audubon County Board of Supervisors
Adopted and imposed the temporary moratoria through Resolutions 2026-25 and 2026-27.
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- Kent Grabill
Signed the moratorium resolutions as Chairperson of the Audubon County Board of Supervisors.
- Chassity Musfeldt
Attested the moratorium resolutions as Auditor Clerk.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Audubon County imposed a temporary moratorium on accepting or processing applications to construct commercial data centers, effective immediately until May 1, 2027, or until a permanent Data Center Development ordinance is adopted. The definition includes commercial cryptocurrency mining and processing operations.
Sources
expired · County measureProhibits Audubon County from accepting or processing applications to build commercial data centers until May 1, 2027, or until a permanent data center ordinance is adopted.Audubon County Resolution 2026-20 (2026)
What this means
The measure would temporarily stop the county from accepting or processing applications to build commercial data centers until May 1, 2027, or until a permanent data center ordinance is passed (temporary moratorium on applications). That is a major obstacle to new projects during the moratorium, though the resolution does not say existing centers must stop operating.
Timing
- Ends
- 2027-05-01, or earlier upon passage of the applicable permanent development ordinance
The utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems moratorium expires on 2027-05-01 or upon passage of a permanent Utility Scale BESS Development ordinance. The commercial Data Centers moratorium expires on 2027-05-01 or upon passage of a permanent Data Center Development ordinance.
People behind it
- Heath Hansen
Moved approval of Resolutions 2026-20, 2026-25, and 2026-26; served as a co-sponsor of the moratorium measures.
- Don Mosinski
Seconded Resolutions 2026-20 and 2026-25 and moved approval of Resolution 2026-26; served as a co-sponsor of the moratorium measures.
- Audubon County Board of Supervisors
Proposed, adopted, and imposed the temporary moratoria on utility-scale BESS and commercial data centers.
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- Kent Grabill
Chairperson who signed and formally adopted the resolutions on behalf of the Board of Supervisors.
- Chassity Musfeldt
Auditor Clerk who attested to the resolutions and provided the administrative certification.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Audubon County imposes a temporary moratorium on accepting or processing applications to construct commercial data centers, effective immediately through May 1, 2027, or until a permanent Data Center Development ordinance is adopted. The moratorium also covers commercial cryptocurrency-mining operations because they are included in the definition of commercial data centers.
Sources
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