Data center

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has approved rezoning that supports NextEra Energy's effort to recommission the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Palo. The project still needs approval from multiple state and federal authorities, but county supervisors say the rezoning gives Linn County residents a seat at the table.

State and federal leaders want to grow nuclear energy. Supporters are excited about the job opportunities this could bring, while others are concerned about potential health and environmental effects.

Local leaders are addressing AI’s impact on water, surveillance, transparency and more. A mostly hands-off approach at the federal level means regulating complex AI issues is–so far–evolving in a patchwork of laws.