The Linn County Board of Supervisors in Iowa has unanimously approved an ordinance establishing zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in Linn County following the third and final reading of the ordinance.
The ordinance outlines application requirements, review procedures, and host community agreement requirements. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sets and enforces nationwide standards for designing, constructing, and operating nuclear facilities safely.
Local governments, however, retain authority over land-use issues, such as where a facility may be sited, how it fits into surrounding neighborhoods, and what community benefits or impact-mitigation measures are required.
The proposed Linn County zoning code focuses on these local considerations while leaving radiological safety to the NRC.
The Board of Supervisors has the final decision on zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in unincorporated Linn County.
“With the growing demand for energy, the need for a comprehensive and well-thought-out nuclear ordinance that protects taxpayers and keeps public safety at the forefront is of the utmost importance. I believe we’ve accomplished that with this ordinance,” said Linn County Supervisor Chair Brandy Meisheid. “While the start-up of Duane Arnold remains under the authority of the NRC, this ordinance ensures Linn County has a voice through local regulations. By incorporating a host community agreement, we are putting public safety first and making certain that any financial impact to the county falls on the nuclear company, not the taxpayers.”
A copy of the zoning code ordinance related to nuclear energy is available on the Linn County website.
