In Nevada, a data center planned on public land is temporarily halted
A data center project by Townsite Solar on public land in Nevada has been temporarily halted by the Interior Board of Land Appeals. This "stay" was issued after Boulder City officials and environmental groups argued that the Bureau of Land Management approved the project without adequate environmental studies and public input. The judge indicated the appellants are likely to succeed, citing concerns about noise and air pollution.
The Interior Board of Land Appeals has issued a temporary halt, or "stay," on a contentious data center project in Nevada, developed by Townsite Solar, which is owned by Skylar Capital Management. This decision follows a complaint by officials from neighboring Boulder City and environmental organizations, including The Center for Biological Diversity, who accused the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of approving the facility on public land without conducting proper environmental assessments and public engagement.
Judge David Gunter, from the land appeals board, stated that the appellants are "likely to prevail" in their demand for new environmental studies and public input. He highlighted potential harms such as noise and air pollution, asserting that the public interest in timely data center development does not outweigh the need for thorough environmental consideration as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act. The case is seen as a significant precedent for data center development on public lands in Nevada.
Boulder City officials further alleged that the 80-acre federal parcel would strain local utilities and emergency services without prior consultation from the BLM. Additionally, the panel found that the BLM failed to conduct new environmental assessments when Townsite Solar changed its plans from a solar project to a data center. The stay will remain until legal briefs are presented, and local residents will vote on a measure in November to amend city zoning regulations, reflecting ongoing community concern. Rep. Dina Titus also commented on the ruling, emphasizing the need for transparency.