Lyon County Advances Plans for Monarch Data Center Near Yerington Despite Resident Opposition
Lyon County commissioners advanced permitting for the proposed Monarch Data Center on 500 acres of farmland outside Yerington, despite strong resident opposition. Supporters cite potential tax revenue and economic development, while opponents are concerned about the project's impacts on farmland, water and power supplies.
Lyon County commissioners advanced a request to permit the Monarch Data Center on 500 acres in Mason Valley near Yerington. About 200 residents attended meetings and many opposed the project, arguing that the county should protect agricultural land and questioning the data center's expected water and electricity demands.
County Manager Andrew Haskin and economic development experts said data centers could provide substantial property, sales and business tax revenue for a county with relatively low per-capita revenue. Developer Tract has acquired more than 1,000 acres in Lyon County, while Copia Power is seeking to develop the Monarch site. The area's planned Walker River Substation and Greenlink transmission line have increased its appeal to data center developers, although NV Energy has acknowledged that Nevada may not have enough power to support the anticipated influx of facilities.