Linn County hears feedback on potentially reopening nuclear powerplant

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) — Linn County says it’s “just starting” the conversation on reopening a nuclear power plant outside of Palo.

One family family spent their Monday night at the Linn County Planning and Zoning meeting to make sure their voices were heard as supporters of nuclear energy.

“We’re huge proponents of nuclear energy and we work with some people who used to also work at the plant so eventually if it does come back online, we’d like the opportunity to work their too,” said Echo Oceanside.

The Duane Arnold Energy Center shut down in October of 2020. But the demand for energy is rising with data centers expanding in eastern Iowa.

Linn County Planning and Development Director, Charlie Nichols, says this is the first conversation in a series of many.

“We’re kind of just getting the ball rolling. We’re trying to get that ball rolling so we can develop our draft code and take it to a future Planning and Zoning Commission meeting,” said Nichols.

Many people at Monday night’s meeting told the commission they support bringing back nuclear energy. One person mentioned a safety concern.

“One of the key things we’re looking at right now is what the minimal level of emergency preparedness we need to maintain with Linn County staff and support in order to respond that anything that happens at the nuclear facility,” said Nichols.

And of all the ways to generate power, Oceanside feels nuclear is best in terms of her daughter’s future.

“We really need a renewable resource and nuclear is a lot safer than people typically think it is,” said Oceanside.

The feedback is set to be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission at its next meeting on June 16.

Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.