Why Iowa Faces a 'Fork in the Road' Moment Over Data Centers

In recent months, the construction of massive data centers has been approved or proposed all across the United States. With them comes serious concern from local residents about their electricity usage and the sanctity of the environment, including land and water supply. The potential for a data center being built in Dubuque has been a topical issue amongst residents all summer long.

Speaking broadly, these data centers are large facilities that house computer systems for telecommunications and storage. The AI Boom has led to the rapid growth of the industry, and is leading to a strain on electric grids and rising electricity costs for residents. In short, locals bear the brunt of the social and economic impacts, like water and energy use, while those involved with the centers' operation receive the profits.

Why Scientists Say Iowa is at a "Fork in the Road" Moment with Data Centers:

An article from the Iowa City Press-Citizen looked at how a group of 186 scientists from 31 colleges and universities around Iowa took part in a virtual summit this week to talk about how renewable sources may be the state's only solution to adequately manages its existing and forthcoming data centers. As of this writing, Iowa is home to 91 data centers, with 42 planned or under construction. Per Pew Research, that puts Iowa at 14th of the 50 states in terms of quantity of data centers.

The group of scientists released an "Iowa Climate Statement" that urged state lawmakers to create legislature that would help the state adapt to these changes. Per the Iowa City Press-Citizen, 27% of MidAmerican Energy's electricity and 20% of Alliant Energy came from coal power plants in the state in 2025. This year, renewable energy accounts for 69% of MidAmerican Energy's generation versus 38% of Alliant Energy's.

How Data Centers Demand More from the Electric Grid:

Iowa scientists also added that data centers have increased energy demand to the point where electric companies have no choice but to build new generation capacity. The group argued that utility companies should build more renewable energy plants as opposed to ones that rely on fossil fuel, and thus are victim to fuel prices, which as we all know, are volatile and rising like crazy.

Scientists said rising levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are raising Earth's average surface temperature over time, which explains the influx of heatwaves, floods, and wildfires all across the world. They arguing that prioritizing renewable energy generation over fossil fuels will help maintain the environment and potentially help buck the trend of data centers hogging the resources of the communities in which they operate.