HomeMy WebLinkAboutA033 - Council Discussion of study committee to evaluate environmental impacts of data centersTo:Mayor & City Council
From:Pa Goldbeck, Assistant City Manager
Date:August 11, 2026
Subject:Establishing a Data Center Study Committee
Item No. 26
MEMO
At the July 28, 2026 meeting, the City Council received a report regarding data
centers containing 12 potential actions to further regulate or restrict data center
development. The City Council directed staff to proceed in researching these 12
items and several others specified by the City Council itself.
In addition, the Council approved a motion "to form a study committee to look at
environmental impacts not considered within the previous 12 items, including
heat generation and localized temperature increases, and impacts on wildlife,
habitats, and human health."
The discussion around this motion indicated that the intent was for this
committee to be convened by the City Council to study these topics independent
of the research being conducted by City staff. Therefore, this item is being placed
on the agenda to allow Council to discuss how it will accomplish this task.
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Ames, IA 50010
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