Boulder City officials and residents oppose data center project on federal land
Boulder City officials and residents are challenging a data center project on federal land near the city. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management approved the project, developed by Skylar Capital Management, despite local concerns over its high energy and water use, environmental impact, and the city's exclusion from the decision-making process. Boulder City is appealing the BLM's approval to the Interior Board of Land Appeals.
An escalating dispute in Boulder City, Nevada, concerns a data center project by Skylar Capital Management on federal land. The project, initially conceived by Skylar Energy Resources, was approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in late June, circumventing Boulder City's local regulations and public consultation.
Boulder City officials, including Mayor Joe Hardy and City Attorney Brittany Walker, expressed frustration over being excluded from the federal approval process. They highlight the project's potential to consume three times the city's energy and the loss of an estimated $2.3 million in annual revenue from lease and taxes. Residents, led by Janelle Sorenson, are vehemently opposing the development due to concerns over water usage, noise, air pollution, increased heat, environmental harm, and the disruption of Boulder City's small-town character.
Initially approved as a solar field, the project was later modified to include a data center with a 70 MW battery and 167 MW of backup biodiesel/natural gas generators. While local officials acknowledge limited direct power over federal land, Walker affirmed the city's ability to impose zoning regulations related to noise, design, and setbacks. The city is formally appealing the BLM's decision to the Interior Board of Land Appeals, a process that could take up to two years, with the possibility of further appeal in federal court.