Linn County Supervisors Unanimously Deny Alliant Energy Power Plant

The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously denied a rezoning request from Alliant Energy on October 21 to build the Morgan Valley Energy Center, a natural gas power plant in western Linn County. The board rejected the application to rezone approximately 150 acres of agricultural land, citing concerns over wastewater and water infrastructure, environmental quality, and the potential financial burden on ratepayers.

The decision followed a deadlock on October 20 by the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission, which failed to provide a formal recommendation after a tie vote. During that hearing, Alliant Energy argued that the project should be judged on established county standards rather than public support.

Board Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt and other supervisors criticized Alliant Energy for a lack of transparency regarding air quality monitoring and the project's connection to data centers. Opponents, including the community group Save Morgan Valley, raised concerns about public health and property values. Despite the local rejection, the project may still proceed if the Iowa Utilities Commission issues a generating certificate, which would override the county's zoning decision. The state commission is scheduled to consider the application on December 7, 2026.