Data center debate gets governor race attention
A petition to stop a proposed data center in Boulder City, Nevada, has gathered 1,500 signatures and is attracting attention from gubernatorial candidates. Residents are concerned about the environmental and energy impact, as well as water usage, with an open house meeting scheduled to discuss the project.
A debate over a proposed data center in Boulder City, Nevada, has intensified, drawing the attention of both leading gubernatorial candidates. Residents, including Brandon Smith and Brandi Bell, initiated a petition to halt the project, reportedly backed by the company behind nearby solar farms, collecting approximately 1,500 signatures.
Simultaneously, a November 2026 ballot question aiming to open the door to the data center industry in the region has become a key talking point in the governor's race. Nevada Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford stated he would require data centers to pay for their energy usage and grid modernization. Republican Governor Lombardo, seeking re-election, supports data centers as an economic growth strategy but emphasizes balancing their development with the needs of residents.
Community members are organizing for an open house meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the project. Concerns primarily revolve around the potential environmental, energy, and water impacts. The data center developer reportedly indicated they would use air cooling over evaporative cooling to reduce water consumption, but did not promise to completely avoid significant water use for the facility.