Data centers and Nevada's dwindling resources
Communities across Nevada are pushing back against the proliferation of data centers, citing concerns over dwindling water and power resources. The midterm elections are highlighted as a crucial point where candidates' stances on data center development will influence future policies regarding resource conservation and growth. Specific issues include massive water consumption by existing data centers and the immense electricity demand from proposed projects.
Nevada is grappling with the increasing demand for data centers, which are consuming vast amounts of water and power, critical issues in a state facing long-term drought conditions and receding water levels in Lake Mead.
Stephanie Valdez, a news creator partnering with Vox, reported on how these concerns are becoming a key issue in the upcoming midterm elections. Companies are attracted to Nevada for its cheap land, no corporate income tax, and state tax abatements. However, the state's resources are under strain, with 90% of Southern Nevada's water coming from the Colorado River via Lake Mead, which is at critically low levels.
In response to conservation efforts, the Southern Nevada Water Authority banned evaporative cooling in new industrial and commercial buildings in 2023. However, data centers approved before this ban continue to consume significant amounts of water; for example, one Google data center alone consumed 352 million gallons in the following year. NV Energy, Nevada's main power utility, anticipates needing three times the electricity required for Las Vegas to power 12 proposed data center projects. Communities statewide, including Reno, Humboldt County, Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and Nye County, are actively pushing back against these developments.
With midterm elections approaching, candidates' positions on data centers are under scrutiny. Incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo supports data centers and aims to transform Nevada into a tech state, while his opponent, Attorney General Aaron Ford, advocates for requiring data centers to pay their fair share and commit to water conservation. Voters are urged to consider local races as city council members and county commissioners are key decision-makers for proposed data center projects and potential moratoriums.