Clark County residents demand data center moratorium: 'We need to get this right'
Clark County residents attended a commission meeting to demand a moratorium on new data center development in Southern Nevada. They voiced concerns over water and energy consumption, and land use, urging commissioners to implement stricter regulations. Commissioners discussed the issue but did not decide on immediate action.
Dozens of residents rallied outside the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas before a commission meeting, demanding a moratorium on new hyperscale data center construction. They held signs reading "Communities Before Data Centers" and expressed significant concerns about the impact of these facilities on water use, energy consumption, and land use in Southern Nevada.
Aaron Harris, a volunteer with the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, stated that current regulations do not adequately protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents. He emphasized the urgency of passing a moratorium in Clark County. The Desert Research Institute's data highlighted that data centers consumed 22% of Nevada's electricity in 2024, projected to rise to 35% by 2030, and 12 data centers could use 11.9 billion liters of water annually by 2033. While acknowledging economic benefits like jobs and tax revenue, advocates like Paige Masmore stressed the importance of public input to prevent negative impacts observed in other communities.
Clark County commissioners discussed the residents' concerns during the meeting, noting the need to evaluate water, energy, and land use impacts. They also raised questions about oversight and addressing "bad actors" in the industry. However, despite the discussion, the commissioners did not articulate a clear path forward or decide on any specific action, including the proposed moratorium.