Data center debate continues in Cass County as commissioners consider regulation
Cass County commissioners are developing regulations for potential future data centers, including a 15-megawatt electricity cap and industrial-zoning requirement. A countywide moratorium remains in effect through mid-next year, while residents debate environmental and resource concerns and supporters cite potential construction jobs.
Cass County commissioners have again voted to limit the size of any future data centers in the county to 15 megawatts. Proposed rules would also restrict such facilities to industrial-zoned areas, including locations identified near Greenwood and Murray. No data centers currently operate in the county.
A countywide moratorium on new data centers remains in place through the middle of next year while officials finalize the regulations. Resident Jeanette Freel expressed concern about potential effects on land, water and electricity resources, while Jayden Speed of Cass County Data Center Watch characterized the power cap as a compromise. Ron Kaminski of the Nebraska and Southwest Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council said data center construction could create jobs. Commissioners are expected to revisit the proposed regulations at their Nov. 3 meeting.