Scott County supervisors push back on $400M natural gas plant on prime farmland
Scott County leaders are taking a stand against a proposed $400 million natural gas power plant that would sit on prime Iowa farmland, a move that has drawn strong local opposition and reignited debates over land use, energy policy, and environmental impact.
The dispute centers on the Hickory Grove Generating Station, a 240-megawatt facility planned by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) on 90 acres of agricultural land in Hickory Grove Township near Maysville. The project, which could cost between $350 million and $400 million, would serve customers in 58 Iowa counties and begin operating in late 2029 if approved by state regulators.
In February, the Scott County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 against changing county zoning rules to allow thermal electric energy generation as a special use on agricultural preservation land. A fifth supervisor did not vote. After that local setback, CIPCO took the matter to the Iowa Utilities Commission.
Why is the plant facing opposition?
Opposition has been led by the grassroots group Concerned Citizens of Scott County, which argues that the plant would use prime agricultural land for a polluting industry. The group hosted a workshop in late May to help residents file comments against the project with the Iowa Utilities Commission.
Molly Regan, a member of the group, told KWQC: “The main reason we're against this is because the company wants to use prime agricultural farmland and it will be a polluting industry, very polluting. And Scott County already has very bad air.”
Coal and natural gas power plants are known to contribute to air and water pollution linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death. Critics also argue that such facilities keep household energy costs high when utilities remain tied to volatile fuel purchases instead of drawing from more abundant energy sources like wind and solar.
What did the board decide?
At its Tuesday morning meeting, the Scott County Board of Supervisors voted to intervene in the state review process, according to KWQC. Board Chair John Maxwell said the next step is presenting the county's objections to state officials.
“We believe prime agricultural land should not be used for this purpose,” Concerned Citizens of Scott County said in a statement. “Surrounding Century Farms and thousands of local citizens will be impacted. Multiple environmental, safety concerns, plus the potential for changes to property values and taxes will result.”
What does CIPCO say?
CIPCO says the project is designed to help meet electricity demand during peak winter and summer periods and would rely on simple-cycle combustion turbine technology. Construction is expected to generate about 200 jobs, followed by five to seven permanent positions.
More than 100 people attended the Iowa Utilities Commission's public information meeting on the proposal in April. The commission will ultimately decide whether to approve the plant.
What's at stake for Iowa?
For Scott County residents, the fight is about protecting farmland, local property values, and air quality. For Iowa more broadly, the case highlights tensions between traditional energy infrastructure and the push for cleaner, more affordable power sources.
As the state review moves forward, the board's intervention signals that local leaders are serious about defending agricultural land and community health against what they see as an unnecessary and polluting project.
