Commissioners to again consider moratorium on data centers
Lincoln County Commissioners are set to reconsider a temporary moratorium on data center development, following a failed vote in their previous meeting. Concerns exist regarding the adequacy of current zoning regulations to protect water and electric supplies, as well as public safety, amidst interest from developers in central and western Nebraska.
The Lincoln County Commissioners in Nebraska are scheduled to again discuss and potentially vote on implementing a temporary moratorium on data center developments within the county. This marks the second week in a row the topic will be addressed, following a previous meeting on June 3 where a motion for a 90-day hold on applications failed with a 3-2 vote.
The commissioners are concerned that existing county zoning regulations may not be sufficient to safeguard the county's water and electric resources or ensure public safety in light of potential data center projects. They are considering a halt on new applications until regulations can be updated.
The previous discussion included a closed session with Gary Person of the North Platte Chamber and Development Corporation and representatives from area public power districts. Public comments are expected to be heard during the upcoming meeting. The urgency stems from developers actively exploring sites in central and western Nebraska for data centers, some potentially with privately owned electric generating stations.