Nye County approves data center permitting rules while preserving Pahrump basin ban
Nye County commissioners approved a permitting framework for data centers covering water use, noise, infrastructure costs and operating standards. The 4-1 action, effective October 28, 2026, preserves Ordinance 631’s ban on data centers in the Nye County portion of Pahrump Valley’s hydrographic basin 162 and does not approve any specific project.
The Nye County Commission approved new data center regulations after debate over water allowances, noise, infrastructure costs, ownership changes and project expansions. County Counsel said the amendments were written to ensure the new framework would not override Ordinance 631, which prohibits data centers in the Nye County portion of Pahrump Valley’s hydrographic basin 162.
Residents expressed concern about the wording and speed of the decision, while supporters cited potential jobs and tax revenue. After a procedural dispute, commissioners approved the measure 4-1 with an effective date of Oct. 28, 2026. The rules apply to eligible projects elsewhere in Nye County; any individual data center would still require county approval, technical studies and compliance with operating standards.