Judge weighs removing NV Energy’s attorney from data center lawsuit #thisisreno

A judge is weighing whether NV Energy’s attorney should be removed from a lawsuit involving a proposed data center development in Storey County. Tract, also listed as Reno Power, wants attorney Adam Hosmer-Henner and his firm, McDonald Carano, disqualified. Tract argues the firm obtained confidential business information while representing other companies that previously sued Tract. It says that information includes its power needs, development plans and dealings with NV Energy. Tract says waiting for evidence that the information was misused could allow damage to happen first. Hosmer-Henner denies any improper use or sharing of that information. He says his firm never represented Tract and destroyed protected materials as required when the earlier litigation ended. Washoe County Judge Scott Freeman questioned whether the evidence and Nevada court precedent support removing the attorney. He said Tract raised its concerns in good faith, but he struggled with the lack of proof of a violation. The larger lawsuit centers on who should decide a dispute over electric service for the proposed development. NV Energy wants to block private arbitration. It argues those decisions belong before state utility regulators. The utility also alleges Tract wants customers to pay for increased electricity for data centers. Tract disputes that. Freeman said an order on the attorney’s removal would come soon. He had not ruled at the hearing. Subscribe to read more only on thisisreno.com.