Information & FAQ About the Proposed Power Plant
Learn more about the concerns and impacts of the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center the one that will be located in Palo?
Answer: No, the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center is set to be placed on the Linn County side of Linn-Benton Road immediately south of Highway 30, not within Palo. You can visit a map of the 10 mile radius at: View Map
Is the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center already a "done deal"?
Answer: No, this project has not been finalized. There is only an "option to purchase" the land, the sale is contingent upon the approval of Alliant's application with the IUC. In addition, Linn County Planning and Zoning must approve rezoning the property for industrial use before the project can move forward.
Does the community need the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center to support the citizens' energy needs?
Answer: No, Iowa is currently a net exporter of electricity, producing more energy than it consumes.* Existing utilities are already meeting the state's energy needs, along with the planned restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo.**
*According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iowa produces more electricity than it consumes and exports the excess to other states.
**The planned restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center would add significant new generating capacity to the region.
Will the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center really affect me?
Answer: Yes, large energy projects can impact a broad surrounding area. State regulations require consideration of environmental, economic, and community impacts beyond the immediate site, meaning nearby residents may still be affected.
The facility may also influence local water resources. Power plants require significant amounts of water for cooling, and while much of this water is reused, a portion is lost through evaporation. The remaining water is treated and managed in accordance with environmental regulations before being reused or discharged back into the system.
You can view a map of the potential impact area at View Map.
Aren't emissions from the plant negligible?
Answer: No. Power plants that burn fossil fuels, including natural gas, emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and fine particulate matter (PM). These pollutants are known to contribute to smog and particle pollution, which are linked to respiratory illness, asthma attacks, heart disease, and other serious health effects, particularly for children, older adults, and those with existing health conditions.
Over time, repeated exposure to air pollution can worsen long-term health outcomes for nearby residents, especially in communities located close to or downwind of power plants. Research shows that air pollutants like ozone and particulate matter increase both the frequency and severity of lung and heart disease.
It is also important to consider cumulative impacts. Emissions from a new facility would add to existing air pollution from other sources in the region, such as traffic, industry, and other energy facilities, potentially increasing the overall pollution burden experienced by local communities.
Will the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center use water?
Answer: Yes, like most natural gas power plants, the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center is expected to use water for cooling and, if designed as a combined-cycle facility, for steam generation.
Using the Marshalltown Generating Station, which is a 650MW plant as a guide, the Morgan Valley Energy Center water usage will likely be in the range of:
- Withdrawal (water that is pulled and returned): ~20-40 million gallons/day
- Consumption (water that is lost): ~1-4 million gallons/day
Can I file an opposition with the Iowa Utilities Commission?
Answer: Yes!
- Visit www.efs.iowa.gov and click Sign up to complete your registration
- Log in to the EFS system and select File in EFS
- Choose Submit a Comment or Objection in a Docket
- Enter Docket Number: GCU-2026-0002
- Select your submission type
- Submit your concerns
Reach out to Contact Us if you need help or further information.
Air & Health
- Emits multiple harmful pollutants - The plant will emit CO₂, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter through 150-foot-tall exhaust stacks.
- Linked to asthma, cancer, and other respiratory issues - Air pollutants from power plants are associated with increased rates of asthma, cancer, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions, particularly in children and elderly residents.
- Impacts nearby and downwind communities most - Communities closest to the plant and those downwind will experience the highest exposure to emissions, creating environmental justice concerns.
Sources:
Live Wind Conditions at Proposed Site
See current wind patterns that would carry emissions from the plant to surrounding communities.
Property & Land
- Located on prime agricultural land - The proposed site sits on valuable farmland that has supported local agriculture for generations.
- Industrial proximity can impact home values - Studies show that homes near industrial facilities often experience decreased property values due to noise, visual impact, and perceived health risks.
- Once developed, this land is gone permanently - Converting agricultural land to industrial use is irreversible, permanently removing it from productive farming and natural habitat.
- Minimal economic benefit for local residents - The plant will create only 4-10 permanent full-time jobs after construction, while benefiting data centers and out-of-state corporations.
- No confirmed need or customers - Alliant has no specific customers or power purchase agreements, suggesting this is speculative development driven by data center demand rather than community need.
Latest Development: IUC Application Filed
Alliant Energy has filed its formal application with the Iowa Utilities Commission, seeking approval by December 2026 for the 720-megawatt Morgan Valley Energy Center.
- Timeline: Construction planned for Q2 2027, operation by Q2 2030
- Location: 160 acres of agricultural land southeast of Highway 30 and Linn-Benton Road
- Jobs: Only 4-10 permanent full-time positions after construction
- Local Impact: Linn County requires $112,000 rezoning fee and host community agreement
Source: Corridor Business Journal
Safety
- Risk of gas leaks and industrial incidents - Natural gas facilities carry inherent risks including potential leaks, explosions, and other industrial accidents that could endanger nearby residents.
- New gas pipeline infrastructure required - A new natural gas supply line must be constructed to fuel the plant, creating additional safety risks and environmental disruption across the region.
- No backup fuel sources - The plant relies exclusively on natural gas with no alternative fuel options, creating potential reliability and supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Residents deserve distance from industrial hazards - Families living in rural areas chose their homes for safety and peace of mind. Industrial facilities should maintain appropriate buffer zones from residential communities.
Quality of Life
- Continuous noise and bright nighttime lighting - Power plants operate 24/7, generating constant noise pollution and requiring bright security lighting that disrupts the peaceful rural environment.
- Permanent change to the rural character of the area - The industrial presence would fundamentally alter the rural landscape and community character that residents value and that defines Morgan Valley.
- Strain on municipal resources - The plant will consume 203.5 gallons per minute of Cedar Rapids' water supply during peak operation, impacting resources meant for residents and local businesses.
- Visual impact of industrial infrastructure - 150-foot-tall exhaust stacks and industrial equipment will permanently alter the scenic rural landscape that defines the area's character.
Support Our Grassroots Efforts
We're organizing grassroots efforts to oppose this project, but we need your support to amplify our community's voice.
How Your Donation Helps:
- Print petition materials, flyers, and informational handouts
- Purchase yard signs and banners to raise awareness
- Cover legal fees for representation at public hearings and regulatory proceedings
Every dollar counts. Whether it's $10 or $100, your contribution helps us protect our communities from this industrial threat.
Unused Funds: If we raise more than needed or the project is stopped before funds are fully used, any remaining money will be donated to related causes such as the Environmental Defense Fund.
To donate via check:
- Make check payable to: Concerned Citizens of Linn & Benton Counties
- Mail to:
C/o Jane Scheer
3388 73rd St, Fairfax, IA 52228
IRS Section 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt: While our efforts are not for profit, we do not currently qualify as a tax-exempt non-profit under this section. Please consult your tax professional for questions regarding deductibility.