Primghar, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — The O’Brien County Board of Supervisors have also paused construction of new data centers, in their latest Resolution passed a the May 19 board meeting in Primghar.

County leaders unanimously passed the resolution to put a temporary hold on building large data facilities now through December 31, 2026. They are echoing concerns in other counties passing the same moratorium: they need more time to study how these large facilities affect the local community, specifically focusing on their high use of electricity and water, as well as the noise they create.

O’Brien County leaders plan to use this pause to research and create an official safety and environmental rules before any new construction begins.