Dickinson supervisors discuss solar, bitcoin, and battery in data center moratorium discussion
April 14, 2026
The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors convened today to discuss the possibility of implementing a 15-month moratorium on permits for industrial scale data centers, bitcoin operations, battery storage, and solar facilities. Supervisor Steve Clark broached the subject, citing growing concerns surrounding these facilities in central Iowa. Clark stressed that the county’s ongoing updates to the land use plan present an opportune moment to pause such developments until further evaluation by the zoning board and supervisors can determine their suitability for the area.
Clark emphasized the importance of safeguarding water quality and protecting citizens by temporarily halting the issuance of permits for these projects. Meanwhile, supervisor Kim Wermersen expressed reservations about the proposed moratorium, noting that the Planning and Zoning Commission had not been consulted on the matter. Wermersen raised concerns about the lack of involvement from the Director of Planning and Zoning in the decision-making process.
Chairman Bill Leupold echoed Wermersen’s sentiments, suggesting that each project should be assessed individually based on its merits. The supervisors refrained from taking immediate action on the proposed moratorium, opting to table the discussion for two weeks. Many supervisors indicated a desire to address the issue in a joint meeting with the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission in the coming week.
This deliberative process underscores the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to thorough and thoughtful decision-making when it comes to land use and development in Dickinson County. By engaging with key stakeholders and ensuring transparency in the decision-making process, local officials are striving to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. Ultimately, the outcome of this deliberation will have far-reaching implications for the future development of the county and its impact on residents and local resources.
