The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting on Monday, May 19 to discuss proposed zoning code updates related to nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center at 935 Second St. SW.
The draft zoning code represents the county’s first formal effort to set local land use standards for nuclear-related projects. The proposal outlines application requirements, review procedures, and considerations for emergency response planning and economic impacts.
“While the safety of nuclear materials is regulated at the federal level, Linn County has a responsibility to ensure any proposed land use aligns with our Comprehensive Plan and addresses community impacts,” Planning and Development Director Charlie Nichols said in a release.
The zoning discussion comes as NextEra Energy Resources has confirmed that it is actively pursuing the recommissioning process of its Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, having recently filed notice with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to request a licensing change.
The commission will take public comments during the meeting. After review, the body will issue a recommendation to the Linn County Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision on any new regulations.
The date for the Board of Supervisors’ review has not yet been announced.
Residents who cannot attend the May 19 meeting may view a recording on the Linn County website and submit comments or questions by email to Charlie Nichols at Charlie.Nichols@LinnCountyIowa.gov.
All feedback received will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission at its next meeting on June 16.
