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.
Madison County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Anti-Data Center Policies
Madison County’s enacted moratoriums pause new data-center projects for up to 12 months while zoning rules are reviewed; existing operations are not addressed.
current law · County measureTemporarily prohibits data centers from being built in Madison County for up to 12 months, unless a new zoning ordinance is recommended sooner.Madison County, Iowa — Data Center Moratorium (2025)
What this means
The measure would pause data-center development in Madison County for up to 12 months, making construction substantially harder during that period. It could end sooner if the zoning board recommends a new ordinance, but the source describes no exception allowing projects to proceed during the pause (two 12-month moratoriums).
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Reported moratorium on data centers; detailed exceptions not verified.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Possible early end if the zoning board recommends a new ordinance; not a development incentive.
Sources
Specific to Madison County only.
current law · County measurePauses new data center development in Madison County while the county reviews its rules.Iowa Madison County Board of Supervisors 12-month data-center moratorium
What this means
The proposal is a data-center moratorium, which would pause or delay new development while it is in effect, and the meeting summary says it passed its first reading with later readings waived (moratorium ordinance approved). The source does not say how long it would last or what projects it would cover, so the size of the barrier is uncertain.
Timing
The sources identify moratorium ordinances for data centers and battery energy storage systems, but do not state an expiration date or ending condition.
People behind it
- Madison County Board of Supervisors
County legislative body that held the public hearings and unanimously approved the first readings of the data center and battery energy storage system moratorium ordinances.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Establishes a moratorium on data centers.
Sources
current law · County measurePauses new data center projects in Madison County for 12 months while officials review and revise zoning rules.Iowa Madison County Data Center Moratoriums (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause new data center projects for 12 months while the county reviews its zoning rules (“pause new data center projects”). That creates a substantial temporary barrier to building new centers, though the source does not say it would stop existing centers from operating.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months after approval
People behind it
- Madison County officials
Approved the temporary moratorium ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A 12-month moratorium pauses new data center projects while the county reviews and revises its zoning regulations.
Sources
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