Cass County residents push back on proposed data center amid water, farmland concerns
Cass County, Nebraska residents are pushing back against a proposed data center development by Tenaska, citing concerns over water usage, loss of farmland, and utility impact. A coalition is advocating for an 18-month moratorium on data center permitting while the county's planning commission considers the project.
Residents in rural Cass County, Nebraska, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed data center project, expressing concerns over its potential impact on water resources and farmland. The energy company Tenaska has already optioned over 1,300 acres of agricultural land along Highway 75 for the development, land that has been worked by local farmers for generations.
The group "Cass County Data Center Watch," led by Edison McDonald, is calling for an 18-month pause on permitting, citing a lack of adequate standards for such developments in Nebraska. They highlight that neighboring Gage and Otoe counties have already implemented similar pauses. Primary concerns revolve around water and utility usage, as well as the lasting impact on family farmers. McDonald pointed to existing Nebraska data centers, like those operated by Google, which consumed over 730 million gallons of water in a single year, exceeding Omaha's entire water utility usage in a typical week.
Opponents, who attended a Cass County Planning Commission meeting to discuss the project, argue that the county is rushing into the development without sufficient information or expertise on the technical specifications and environmental implications. They hope for more thoughtful consideration and additional time before any permits are approved. While the Planning Commission is discussing whether to advance the project, ultimate approval will require a vote from the full Cass County Board. Cass County Commissioners did not provide comment before the meeting.