Nevada Poll Finds Majority Oppose New Large Data Centers Amid Water Concerns
A statewide Nevada poll found that 57% of voters oppose building additional large data centers, while 83% are concerned about growth and its effect on water supplies. The findings come as lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates consider new data center rules, including a proposed statewide pause and changes to tax incentives.
A poll of 800 Nevada voters found broad concern about data center growth, with 57% opposing additional large facilities and 83% worried about growth’s impact on the state’s water supply. The survey was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights ahead of the midterm elections and found opposition across party lines.
Industry representatives argued that properly located data centers can generate substantial tax revenue and support rural communities. Environmental advocates said the results demonstrate public concern about water availability, particularly outside Clark County, where the Southern Nevada Water Authority prohibits evaporative cooling for data centers.
Nevada lawmakers are expected to revisit data center regulations in 2027, including a proposal for a statewide pause and repeal of tax breaks. Gov. Joe Lombardo has directed staff to develop environmental standards tied to tax incentives, while Attorney General Aaron Ford has proposed pausing and auditing the incentives.