CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Holding signs and chanting “Save Morgan Valley,” dozens of demonstrators protested the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center in front of Alliant Energy’s downtown headquarters.
Advocates gathered Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, outside of Alliant’s office at 200 First St. SE to ask for a voice in “decisions that affect our air, water, farmland, utility bills and future,” the grassroots Save Morgan Valley noted in a Facebook post.
The 720 mega-watt plant would be built west of Cedar Rapids, near the corner of Highway 30 and the Linn-Benton Road.
Related: Morgan Valley advocates voice concerns to Cedar Rapids City Council
Alliant officials have said energy generation is not built for specific customers, but some protestors questioned if the gas-powered plant foretells the addition of more data centers in the Cedar Rapids area.
Some protestors also voiced opposition to data centers. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Motorists honked in support, as demonstrators held signs saying “Our health over corporate wealth,” “People over profits,” “Our health matters,” and more.
Save Morgan Valley is encouraging local governments and 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.
More information, upcoming events, petition opportunities, and Iowa Utilities Commission filing instructions can be found at savemorganvalley.com
The proposed site is located on 160 acres of prime farmland, and advocates have raised questions on the health effects of air pollution from the plant, as well as concerns over the use of water and environmental issues.
Alliant officials have said the plant is “designed to meet all applicable public health and environmental requirements established by law.”
More: Emotions run high at town hall
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