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.
Greene County
Neutral Data Center Policies
Greene County requires a water permit for data-mining facilities expected to use over 15,000 gallons monthly; it did not adopt spacing limits, so the added approval step is limited.
current law · Unincorporated areasRequires data centers to get conditional-use approval in certain zones and follow limits on site size, setbacks, water use, noise, utility capacity, and decommissioning; those using over 15,000 gallons of water monthly also need an Iowa DNR permit.Greene County Zoning Ordinance amendment concerning data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations (Iowa, first reading)
What this means
The adopted measure requires a water permit for data-mining facilities expected to use more than 15,000 gallons per month, adding a limited approval step for some projects. The county did not adopt spacing limits as part of this measure, so the reported burden appears minor rather than a major barrier to building or operating data centers.
People behind it
- Thomas Laehn
County attorney; drafts amendment
- John Muir
Board chair at final reading
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Draft includes setbacks, noise, electrical and water standards and a decommissioning plan; detailed enacted thresholds require final-text verification.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Draft allows conditional use in agricultural, commercial, industrial and mineral-extraction districts; final ordinance wording unverified.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data