Boulder City residents rally against proposed AI data center

Opposition to the proposed Townsite Solar 2 Data Center, an AI data center planned for open desert west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 11 in Boulder City, Nevada, is rapidly gaining momentum. A grassroots campaign, spearheaded by resident Brynn DeLorimier, has distributed 350 hand-painted yard signs across the town. DeLorimier also initiated a Change.org petition, which has garnered over 4,600 signatures. Residents are primarily concerned about potential noise, light, and heat pollution from the facility, with DeLorimier expressing worries that the basin-like geography of Boulder City could trap heat, effectively "baking" the town. This local pushback mirrors a broader national trend, as communities grapple with the rapid demand for data centers and their significant water and energy consumption, leading to local decision-making on permitting and impacts. Boulder City officials are slated to further discuss the proposal at an upcoming Planning Commission meeting on May 20. Additionally, a group of residents, including DeLorimier, has submitted a citizens' initiative ballot question to the city clerk's office. If they collect 1,700 signatures from registered Boulder City voters, this initiative would mandate voter approval for any future data center proposals within city limits, aiming to put the question on the November ballot.