Hours of Debate, Same Decision: Lincoln County Commissioners Reject Data Center Moratorium Again
Lincoln County commissioners voted 3-2 to reject a proposed six-month moratorium on data center projects, reaffirming their belief that existing regulations provide sufficient authority. This decision came after nearly three hours of debate, where officials detailed the county's current zoning and conditional use permit processes. Draft regulations addressing various concerns, including water and electricity use, are still being refined by the Planning Commission.
Lincoln County commissioners, by a 3-2 vote, have once again rejected a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center developments. The decision, mirroring a previous vote, followed an extensive nearly three-hour discussion during the July 13, 2026, meeting.
Commissioners Joe Hewgley, Chris Bruns, and Jerry Woodruff voted against the temporary pause, while Micaela Wuehler and Kent Weems supported it. The majority contended that the county's current zoning regulations and conditional use permit process provide adequate authority to review and regulate any future data center applications.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Judy Clark addressed commissioners' questions, explaining the existing regulatory framework and clarifying that no data center application is currently pending. Clark noted that county staff has spent two years researching data center development, collaborating with entities like the Nebraska Public Power District and Twin Platte Natural Resources District to develop tailored draft regulations. These proposed regulations, which will undergo further discussion by the Planning Commission, include standards for water use, electrical infrastructure, setbacks, noise, road agreements, and environmental studies. Deputy Lincoln County Attorney Tyler Volkmer also clarified state laws regarding data center development, including community benefit agreement requirements. While some commissioners felt the county needed more time to finalize these regulations, the board ultimately decided to keep the current regulations in place.