Rob Sand Demands Data Centers Pay Their Way | Des Moines News

Des Moines News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 4, 2026 · 1m

Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand is rolling out a bold plan to end tax breaks for data centers, arguing these tech giants have reaped massive benefits while hiding how much water and electricity they consume. His proposal demands companies pay their own way — covering any utility rate hikes for Iowans, using union labor, and opening up full transparency with public hearings and data disclosures. While he doesn’t want to stop data center growth entirely — acknowledging potential job creation and tax benefits — Sand insists new projects must serve Iowa’s residents, not just corporate…