Data center opponents speak out at commissioners’ meeting
Lincoln County Commissioners narrowly voted against enacting a six-month moratorium on data center development, despite significant public opposition focused on water use, electricity, and noise. The decision moves the discussion to the county planning and zoning commission, which will review a draft of updated data center regulations. This marks the second time the commissioners have rejected a moratorium.
The Lincoln County Commissioners recently voted 3-2 against implementing a six-month moratorium on data center development, marking the second time such a measure has been rejected. The decision followed an hour and a quarter of public comments, with a large crowd filling the meeting room and hallway, many signing a petition against data centers.
Public concerns primarily focused on excessive water and electricity consumption, potential noise pollution, and challenges in holding data center companies accountable. Andrew Miller, a retired National Weather Service division chief, expressed significant worries about the rise of AI-driven data centers. Conversely, a few speakers, including cattle feeder Kirk Olson, Chamber and DevCo President Gary Person, and real estate agent Duane McClain, supported data center development, citing potential property tax relief, though this claim was disputed by North Platte resident Judy Pederson.
Despite the County Zoning Administrator reporting no current permit applications, speculation suggests a data center company is preparing to apply for a permit near Sutherland Reservoir and the Gerald Gentleman electrical generating station.
Following the vote, which saw Chairman Kent Weems and Commissioner Micaela Wuehler in favor of the moratorium and Commissioners Joe Hewgley, Chris Bruns, and Jerry Woodruff against it, the discussion is set to continue. The county planning and zoning commission will hold a public meeting on Tuesday to review a draft of updated data center regulations developed by a small committee.