Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh Weighs in On Potential Data Center

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.

Dubuque Data Center Survey Shows Overwhelming Opposition:

Per KWWL, about 3,800 people responded to a community survey that was sent via mail and circulated via the City of Dubuque's website. 76% of respondents stated they would not support a data center in the city. Merely 3% said they would fully support one.

With the city council weighing the possibility of pursuing a ban, a moratorium, or an ordinance regarding data centers, Mayor Brad Cavanagh voiced his opinion on the matter for the first time. His comments came during this week's work session:

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I actually feel no sense of urgency at all to rush towards building data centers in our community. I feel no responsibility for or do I feel any allegiance to any of the companies that are racing each other to advance artificial intelligence technology in our world right now - Mayor Brad Cavanagh, per KWWL

Back in May, Dubuque County supervisors voted 2-1 to halt potential data center development for a year. Supervisors Ann McDonough and Harley Pothoff voted in favor of a 12-month moratorium on the matter. Supervisor Wayne Kenniker voted in opposition.

The community survey showed residents' top concerns related to data centers include power/energy use, water consumption, and environmental impacts. Find out more about Mayor Brad Cavanagh speaking on the matter on KWWL's website.