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.
Tama County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Tama County’s resolution is described inconsistently as conditional, but its stated effect is to halt county review and permits for new data centers indefinitely; it does not expressly bar existing operations.
Rating from Iowa statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Tama County.
Specific to Tama County only.
current law · County measureProhibits Tama County from accepting, reviewing, approving, or permitting new data center developments until it adopts a comprehensive land-use plan and enacts a data center ordinance.Tama County Resolution 11-10-2025A (2025)
What this means
If enacted, this would stop the county from accepting, reviewing, approving, or permitting new data center developments while the county prepares a land-use plan and ordinance, with no set end date (immediate and indefinite moratorium). That is a severe barrier to building or expanding data centers, though it does not expressly prohibit operating existing centers.
Timing
- Ends
- When a comprehensive land use plan is adopted by Tama County and the Zoning Commission drafts and the Board of Supervisors enacts the applicable ordinance
The data-mining/data-center and battery-storage moratoria are described as immediate and indefinite, but each ends upon satisfaction of the stated plan-and-ordinance conditions. No calendar expiration date or extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- Curt Hilmer
Moved approval of Resolution 11-10-2025A, establishing the moratorium on data mining and data centers.
- Heather Knebel
Seconded approval of Resolution 11-10-2025A.
- David Turner
Moved approval of Resolution 11-10-2025B, establishing the moratorium on battery storage projects.
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- Curt Kupka
Seconded approval of Resolution 11-10-2025B.
- Tama County Board of Supervisors
Proposed and adopted both moratorium resolutions.
- Tama County Zoning Commission
Was directed to develop comprehensive ordinances regulating data centers and battery storage projects.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
An immediate and indefinite moratorium prohibits the acceptance, review, approval, or permitting of any new data mining or data center development in Tama County. It remains in effect until the County adopts a comprehensive land-use plan and the Zoning Commission develops, and the Board of Supervisors enacts, a data-center ordinance.
Sources
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