Clinton Residents Urged To Unite Against Massive Data Center Proposal At Free Concert

The former owner of the "Pig Pen" is back in the concert scene.  This time it's to bring attention to a proposed hyperscale data center that could dramatically change the future of Clinton, Iowa.

Robbie Bahr is putting on the free "NO DATA CENTER CONCERT" on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 2:00–10:00 PM at the Clinton Riverview Bandshell.

Bahr is organizing the event as a way for citizens to come together peacefully, hear live music, and demand that the community receive complete information about the proposed development before any final decisions are made.

1,300 Acres Of Data Center

server room aisle with metal equipment racks

The proposed data center development would encompass approximately 1,300 acres.

“I was stunned. Actually sickened,” Bahr said. “When I started looking into this, I realized the scale of what was being proposed for our little town. We're talking about a massive development that could fundamentally change Clinton.”

One of Bahr’s biggest concerns is the amount of water the facility could require.  Estimates cited by Bahr indicate that a facility of this scale could potentially use more than 5 million gallons of water per day — an amount comparable to the daily water use of a city of approximately 50,000 people.

Bahr says the public deserves to know the facts before the community is asked to accept a project of this magnitude.  “I'm not against progress. I use an iPhone every day. AI, I believe, is here to stay for now. That's not my issue.”

“My issue is a large corporation secretly coming to my hometown, securing land, having people involved sign nondisclosure agreements, and then not having the numbers, studies, and environmental information laid out for the people who actually live here.”

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Bahr is calling for a 500-600-day moratorium on the project to allow enough time for independent studies, public discussion, and a thorough examination of the potential effects on Clinton.

He also believes the ultimate decision should be placed before the citizens of Clinton through an up-or-down public vote.

“The citizens of Clinton, Iowa deserve to vote on the future of their kids and their grandkids.”

Free No Data Center Concert - September 13, 2026

The free concert will feature regional and local musicians and is expected to bring together residents from Clinton and surrounding communities.

The concert will feature performances from:

• Lynn Allen
• Jaci and the Juice
• Factory Town
• Wicked Liz & The Bellyswirls
• Cheese Pizza's Haze Lee Finn
• Super Group
• Chuck Murphy
• St. October
• Rock Pig Boys (Spark & Rob)
• Mamiltons
• Evan Neal
• Laura McDonald & Robbie Bahr
• Three on the Tree
• and more TBA

Bahr says the message is simple.  “We want all the facts laid out for everyone in our community to see.”

He also has a message for local elected officials.  “If you as a council member are in favor of moving forward without any input from the citizens of Clinton, then you do not represent our best interests.”

Get the latest on the No Data Center Concert on their Facebook Event Page.

Andy Sokolovich, President and CEO of Grow Clinton, sent this official comment:

"On September 13th, community members and supporters of the Clintonian Against Data Centers group will host a concert to raise awareness of a proposed data center development in Clinton, Iowa. As the President of Grow Clinton, a nonprofit economic development organization, I fully support their rights as constituents and Americans to hold peaceful demonstrations in support of a cause they feel passionate about. That said, Grow Clinton has been working with the data center developers and believes a project of this scope will offer tremendous economic benefits for the Greater Clinton Region. The ripple effect of injecting new wealth and opportunity into our communities is significant, creating thousands of well-paying jobs during construction and beyond. We understand that attracting outside investment to Clinton will positively impact existing businesses, overnight accommodations, gas stations, restaurants, and tourism. We cannot ignore the opportunity, but we must investigate every aspect of the project and make an informed decision."