Daily Digest — September 8, 2026
Southern Nevada Data Centers Face Water Scrutiny as Consumption Projections Mount
KTNV Las Vegas launched a multi-part series examining data center water consumption in Southern Nevada, a region already grappling with shrinking Lake Mead levels. According to KTNV, evaporative cooling used by data centers and other large commercial buildings accounts for nearly 10% of the region's Colorado River water allocation. Google's Henderson facility used over 404 million gallons in 2025, while Switch's Clark County campus consumed over 339 million gallons.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority enacted a moratorium in 2021 on traditional evaporative cooling for new developments, requiring water-smart alternatives. NOVVA's North Las Vegas facility, which uses a closed-loop system, required only 551,000 gallons in 2025. A Desert Research Institute report found that twelve planned data center projects in Nevada could consume over three billion gallons annually by 2033 — including water used for electricity generation — an amount equivalent to the annual drinking water supply for 240,000 people.
Residents protested at a July demonstration demanding a broader data center moratorium. Switch recently received zoning approval for expansion in Clark County despite the opposition.
Northern Nevada Panel Reviews Data Center Growth, Moratoriums, and Infrastructure Challenges
A development panel hosted by the Northern Nevada Development Authority in Minden examined the region's emergence as a top-five data center market, according to Northern Nevada Business Weekly. Panel moderator Raymond Zavalla of Helix Electric cited the region's climate, fiber-optic infrastructure, tax structure, and proximity to California's AI sector as key drivers.
Notable regulatory developments discussed include:
- The Reno City Council's moratorium on new data center applications, extended through August 2027
- Lyon County Commission's August 8 discussion of a data center ordinance with directives to revise residential setback and water system requirements
- Lyon County's subsequent approval on August 11 of a zoning change for the 4.6 million-square-foot Monarch Data Center near Yerington, despite opposition
NV Energy Vice President Jeff Brigger outlined the Greenlink transmission project, including planned 500 kilovolt lines to be built over the next 10–15 years, while cautioning that not all locations in the state are suitable for data centers. Storey County Commissioner Clay Mitchell, whose county hosts Switch and Google facilities, advocated for local self-determination in development decisions.
Burgin, Kentucky Restarts Annexation Process for Panattoni Data Center Campus
The City of Burgin, Kentucky, is moving to restart an annexation process for over 1,000 acres intended for a hyperscale data center campus by Panattoni Data Centers, as reported by WKYT. A prior annexation attempt was declared null and void, requiring the city to re-initiate with adjusted boundary lines.
Local activist Bethany Correa is leading opposition efforts, accusing developers of avoiding direct engagement with residents and calling for a statewide moratorium on data center construction. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has emphasized local decision-making authority and the need for appropriate regulatory guardrails.
The Burgin City Council is scheduled to consider rejoining the county planning commission and vote on drafting a new annexation ordinance at a special meeting where a large activist turnout is expected.
Lubbock City Council Holds Public Hearing on Citizen-Led Data Center Moratorium Petition
The Lubbock City Council is holding a public hearing on a citizen-led petition seeking an 18-month moratorium on new hyper-scale data center development, according to Everything Lubbock. The group "Save Lubbock" collected over 3,900 verified signatures — exceeding the required threshold — to force council consideration of the measure.
Concerns driving the petition include water usage, power demands, and property impacts. Some council members have raised questions about whether certain aspects of the proposed moratorium comply with state law. The public hearing precedes the council's final decision.
Montana's Right to Compute Act Blocks Interim Zoning Effort Against Yellowstone County Data Center
Residents of Yellowstone County, Montana, are seeking interim zoning to pause a nearly 8-square-mile data center project proposed by Quantica Infrastructure near Broadview, citing potential noise and light pollution concerns. According to Montana Free Press and the Daily Inter Lake, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito contends that Montana's Right to Compute Act — passed in 2025 and described as the first law of its kind in the U.S. — likely prevents the county from enacting such restrictions.
The law requires government actions that hamper technology freedom to be narrowly tailored and to have no less restrictive means available. Twito warned that enacting interim zoning could trigger a lawsuit from Quantica Infrastructure.
Attorney Gene Jarussi, representing opponents, argued that the state law still permits local governments to prevent emergencies and that existing case law supports proactive measures. Despite testimony from a dozen residents, the Board of County Commissioners is not expected to act on the interim zoning request, citing limits on their authority and potential financial liabilities under the new law. The Montana Association of Counties indicated the Right to Compute Act sets a high bar for government intervention.
