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Johnson County supervisors agree to draft letter opposing Linn County gas-fired plant near airport
Summary
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors agreed to draft a letter opposing a proposed gas-fired electric generation plant sited near the Eastern Iowa Airport and overlapping a five‑mile protected zone that affects parts of Johnson County.
Johnson County supervisors discussed a proposed Alliant Energy gas-fired electric generation station in adjacent Linn County and instructed staff to draft a letter of objection that will be circulated for formal action at the next meeting. The plant was described during the Aug. 20 work session as being sited within a five-mile protected zone that overlaps parts of Johnson County, prompting climate, public-safety and airport-safety concerns.
Supervisor Sullivan said Linn County and Eastern Iowa Airport officials had raised objections and asked Johnson County to weigh in. Board members discussed citing climate impacts, air quality, proximity to the airport and potential emergency-response effects. Supervisors asked staff to involve emergency management (requested outreach to Dave Wilson) and to consult the county attorney on whether Johnson County should have received formal notification for the siting process.
The board asked that Supervisors Rod (last name as in record) and Sullivan draft the letter and circulate it to the board; members indicated consensus to object to construction of new gas-fired generating stations in that location and to pursue a version of Linn County’s letter tailored to Johnson County’s concerns. The board did not take a final vote during the work session; staff will prepare the letter for formal consideration the following day.
