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Candidates back local controls; differ on moratorium for data centers
Summary
Both candidates said Dubuque County should control where data centers locate; Kristen Dietzel favored a temporary moratorium until an "airtight" local policy exists, while Rick Dickinson supports local ordinances and suggested charging higher electricity rates for large users rather than subsidies.
At the League of Women Voters forum, candidates discussed whether Dubuque County should impose a moratorium on data centers while it develops environmental and land‑use protections.
Kristen Dietzel said she would support a temporary moratorium "until we have an airtight policy that our residents and our businesses can both get behind," citing concerns about energy use, water and noise impacts.
Rick Dickinson agreed that regulation is needed and said the county and state both have roles. He told the audience he would pursue "an ordinance in Dubuque County that appropriately regulated data centers and their location within the confines of Dubuque County," and suggested the county should consider utility upcharges for large users rather than rate breaks so residential ratepayers do not shoulder the cost.
Both candidates framed data‑center decisions as a balance between economic development and environmental protection. Dickinson noted the scarcity of sites that meet power and transmission requirements and urged working with the Iowa legislature for statewide rules; Dietzel emphasized being proactive locally to protect farmland and nearby families.
Neither candidate proposed specific permitting language at the forum. Voters and local officials seeking policy details should expect subsequent meetings where zoning, utility arrangements and environmental review would be discussed.
