Lahn: Iowa Must Regulate Data Centers, Flock Cameras at State Level
Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn told Iowa business leaders Monday that the state, not the federal government, should set the rules for emerging technologies like data centers and AI-powered surveillance cameras. Speaking at an Iowa Association of Business and Industry candidate forum in West Des Moines, the first-time candidate outlined his vision for putting Iowa's interests first when it comes to tech regulation.
What did Zach Lahn say about data centers in Iowa?
Lahn, a businessman running on an “Iowa first” platform, reiterated his support for a temporary moratorium on new data centers while the state establishes clear rules for their operation. He stressed he does not want to ban data centers outright, but wants companies to prove how they will benefit local communities.
“I'm not someone who's saying we should ban (data centers) outright, I don't think that's the case. I'm trying to bridge this gap of saying that a temporary pause, a moratorium, to get the rules of the game in play, to be able to say that if you're going to come to Iowa, the question you need to answer for Iowa citizens is, 'how are you going to benefit all Iowa?'” Lahn said.
His proposed framework for data centers includes eliminating tax incentives, requiring companies to pay for their own electricity use, and mandating that environmental concerns be addressed. Lahn also suggested data centers could win over skeptical communities by investing in local water infrastructure, such as building nitrate removal systems.
He recounted meeting with a company that was unaware of Iowa's water quality challenges and urged them to offer a nitrate removal system to a municipality as a goodwill gesture. “It's like a light bulb went off with their engineer,” Lahn said. “You do that, you'd be a totally different story in our communities. People would actually be saying, 'Wow, you're here to benefit me and my kids.'”
Why does Lahn want state-level oversight of Flock cameras?
Lahn also addressed the growing use of Flock cameras, AI-powered license plate readers that photograph vehicles, saying technology is being deployed in communities before residents have a chance to weigh in on its legality and fairness. Several Iowa localities have pushed back on both Flock cameras and data centers through local government actions.
“Tech is way ahead of 'how do we properly use the tech,' and you don't need to go any further than listen to Elon Musk for a little bit of time talk about what's going to happen with AI,” Lahn said. “... We have real concerns here. So, the state level is where we should adjudicate these things. This is not a federal decision, in my opinion.”
Lahn's “Iowa first” economic vision
The GOP nominee framed his economic policy around prioritizing homegrown Iowa businesses over multinational corporations that receive generous state tax incentives. He criticized an unnamed multinational company that received “a tremendous amount of refundable tax credits by the government” before suing a “third generation Iowa company.”
“If you look at some of these tax incentives we've been giving as a state, oftentimes we're incentivizing companies that are competing against Iowa's homegrown businesses,” Lahn said. “... It doesn't make sense. We have scarce resources we're trying to allocate as a state. If we want to build a culture, we'll invest in Iowa's homegrown businesses first.”
How does Lahn's plan compare to Democrat Rob Sand's?
Lahn's Democratic opponent, Rob Sand, has introduced his own data center policy plan that includes several similar priorities, including limiting tax incentives, requiring data centers to pay utility costs, and demanding public disclosures on energy and water use. Sand spoke to ABI members in June; Lahn was invited but could not attend, according to ABI staff.
The two candidates also differ on immigration and workforce issues. Lahn has called for restrictions on foreign workers with certain nonimmigrant U.S. work visas and has proposed banning H-1B visa holders from employment by Iowa state government and universities. Sand has criticized Lahn over these positions, as well as for having previously lived in and registered to vote in Kansas.
What's next for the Iowa governor's race?
Lahn said his “Iowa first” message, focused on improving quality of life and encouraging young people to stay in the state, resonated with GOP primary voters and Iowans overall. As the general election campaign heats up, data centers, surveillance technology, and economic policy are emerging as key battleground issues.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zach Lahn want to ban data centers in Iowa?
No. Lahn supports a temporary moratorium on data centers while the state establishes rules for their operation, including no tax incentives, mandatory payment for electricity use, and addressing environmental concerns.
What are Flock cameras?
Flock cameras are AI-powered automatic license plate readers that photograph vehicles. Lahn argues the state should regulate their use, saying technology is being deployed before communities can decide if it is operating legally and fairly.
What is Lahn's position on tax incentives for large companies?
Lahn opposes giving state tax incentives to multinational companies that compete against Iowa's homegrown businesses, arguing scarce state resources should be allocated to support local enterprises first.