A sign opposing Alliant Energy’s proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center is seen along Highway 30 in Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A community conversation to discuss the effects of gas-fired power plants and data centers will feature two environmental and health experts.

Hosted by the grassroots Save Morgan Valley organization, the free Water Facts Before Development event will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Ushers Ferry Lodge, 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE.

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Lori Huntoon, a professional geologist, and Dr. Brittany Keyes, Clean Air Policy Manager for Healthy Climate Wisconsin, will be featured speakers.

Huntoon, president of Huntoon Environmental Risk Advisors in Beloit, Wisconsin, has more than 30 years of experience in environmental regulation and regulatory compliance and managed the groundwater program for the Department of Energy’s Los Alamos cleanup.

Keyes trained at the University of Iowa and began her career at the Mayo Clinic. She has spent years organizing neighbors and working with Wisconsin communities facing gas plants and data centers.

Alliant Energy’s proposed 720 mega-watt natural gas-fired Morgan Valley Energy Center would be built near the corner of Highway 30 and the Linn-Benton Road. Alliant representatives have said the plant is not specifically for data centers under construction and planned for the area.

Water Facts Before Development will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Ushers Ferry in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The American Lung Association’s State of the Air report recently gave Linn County failing grades for unhealthy levels of air pollution, with an “F” for high ozone days and a “D” for particle pollution.

More information, upcoming events, petition opportunities, and Iowa Utilities Commission filing instructions can be found at savemorganvalley.com

Save Morgan Valley is encouraging local residents to engage directly in the regulatory process and ensure community concerns are part of the public record by submitting opposition to the plant to the Iowa Utilities Commission at EFS.iowa.gov under docket number GCU-2026-0002.

Residents also are encouraged to attend meetings of the Linn County Board of Supervisors, Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and the next Linn County Planning & Zoning meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, both at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW.

More: Morgan Valley advocates voice concerns to Cedar Rapids City Council