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.
Plymouth County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Plymouth County’s enacted measure pauses data-center construction for one year while the county develops rules; existing centers are not stated to have to stop operating.
Rating from Iowa statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Plymouth County.
Specific to Plymouth County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily pauses construction of data centers in Plymouth County under a one-year, revocable moratorium.Iowa Plymouth County Resolution — One-Year Data Center and Industrial Battery Storage Moratorium (2026)
What this means
The proposed measure would pause data-center construction in Plymouth County for one year, substantially delaying new projects, though it is described as revocable and does not say existing centers must stop operating (one-year “revocable moratorium” on construction). The county says the pause is meant to develop rules on construction, water and power use, and noise, so the burden is serious but temporary rather than a permanent ban.
Timing
- Ends
- one year after adoption
The moratorium covers construction of data centers and industrial battery storage facilities and is described as a one-year revocable moratorium. It was approved effective 2026-06-16; the sources do not state a separate fixed expiration date or extension condition.
People behind it
- Mike Van Otterloo
Introduced the motion to approve Resolution 061626-1 establishing the moratorium.
- Craig Anderson
Seconded the motion to approve Resolution 061626-1.
- Plymouth County Board of Supervisors
Approved and administered the one-year moratorium on data centers and industrial battery facilities.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A one-year, revocable moratorium, effective June 16, 2026, pauses construction of data centers and industrial battery-storage facilities in Plymouth County. The moratorium applies to construction
Sources
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