Opposition grows to proposed Alliant Energy natural gas plant in Linn County

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) — A group opposing a proposed Alliant Energy natural gas power plant is growing as the project continues to move forward.

Alliant Energy has proposed a 720-megawatt generating facility on the southwest side of rural Linn County, west of Fairfax. The Iowa Utilities Board is reviewing Iowa Interstate Power and Light Company’s application to build the Morgan Valley Energy Center. Iowa Interstate Power and Light Company is the legal public-facing entity tied to Alliant Energy.

There is no deadline for when the project is expected to be completed. Those who live near the project say it is moving quickly, but opposition is growing.

Residents say they have struggled to get answers

John Lee’s property in rural Linn County, west of Cedar Rapids, is a place he has built up over the last 15 years to raise his family.

“We’ve spent about 12 years fixing up the property,” Lee said.

The site of the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center is less than a half mile away. Lee and his group, Save Morgan Valley, say they have struggled to get answers from local, county, and state governments.

“It seems like everywhere we go, we’re directed somewhere else,” Lee said.

His group learned of the project in late March during the Iowa Utilities Commission-required informational meeting to notify affected landowners. The group has continued to grow since then.

“We have so many people that are reaching out to us on Facebook and by other means, saying we would love to volunteer, if we have to go door-to-door to drop off fliers, we will do it,” said Abe Kellison of Save Morgan Valley.

Project in early stages of technical review

The Linn County Health Department released a question sheet this week. It explained the department’s role in the process as one that enforces regulations set in place by other government agencies.

According to Linn County Public Health, the project submitted a draft air quality permit application and air modeling plan to the Iowa DNR permitting system on May 13. The project is now in the early stages of technical review.

Alliant Energy said in a statement that the Morgan Valley Energy Center represents an important step in strengthening the energy system that communities depend on today and into the future.

“As we move this work forward, we remain focused on delivering reliable, cost-effective service for customers while meeting, and often exceeding, all regulatory standards that protect public health and the environment, building on our proven track record,” the statement said.

Alliant also said it expects Linn County Public Health and the Iowa DNR to hold a public hearing once a draft air permit is available.

Lee said he wants answers to ensure it is safe to continue raising his family in the area. He said he and his group plan to continue fighting the project.

“This is not a done deal yet. We need the community to show up to meetings and we need them to help this community do what’s right,” Lee said.

Save Morgan Valley holds weekly meetings and is planning to start holding town hall meetings.