Energy

Data center development is expanding rapidly across the state due to Iowa’s cheap land and energy. Local governments have limited power when faced with development. Should they be the ones making big decisions for Iowa communities?

The Trump administration says easing federal restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions will lower electricity costs and help meet growing demand. Critics warn that relying longer on coal could harm public health, worsen air pollution and accelerate climate change.

Data centers are driving up Iowa's power demand. On this Newsbuzz episode, whether to build more wind and solar or invest in new gas and coal plants. First, we talk with Jason Clayworth of Axios Des Moines about how Iowa's new 2% property tax growth cap is forcing cities to weigh cuts to police and fire budgets, and Iowa's state climatologist Justin Glisan joins us with an update on September's record precipitation. We talk with higher education reporter Vanessa Miller about a new $5 million investment to speed up cancer treatments, and Emma Stapleton Thornell shares how this year's Iowa Climate Statement describes a "fork in the road" when it comes to electricity generation. We also hear from Hong Kong filmmaker and playwright Jun Li, who is a resident of this year's International Writing Program. Then, IPR’s Lucius Pham grooves us into the weekend.

Rather than investing in new gas plants and higher coal usage to scale up generation, the signatories of the 2026 Iowa Climate Statement are advocating for more wind and solar. They say renewable energy is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting Iowans from air pollution and global price fluctuations from fossil fuels.

Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly visited rural Linn County to announce the loan, which is the final piece of financing the energy center needed. He called the recommissioning an early chapter of “an American nuclear renaissance.”

Black Hills Energy is facing scrutiny over compliance with state and federal regulations after inspectors found multiple violations. The Iowa Utilities Commission could order the company to pay civil fines or take steps to address the problems.