Kearney Planning Commission passes new data center restrictions
The Kearney Planning Commission has passed new restrictions on data centers, including setback requirements and a mandatory water feasibility study. Public members expressed concerns about the enforceability of these new rules and their lack of impact on an existing crypto mining facility in the city.
The Kearney Planning Commission recently approved new restrictions on data center development in the city. These new regulations stipulate that data centers must be located at least 1,000 feet from residential property lines.
Additionally, any proposed data center project will now require a mandatory water feasibility study to be conducted by a third party at the permit stage, addressing potential water usage concerns.
Despite the passage of these rules, some members of the public voiced skepticism regarding their strength and the city's ability to enforce them effectively. A key point of contention was that an existing crypto mining facility in Kearney, which reportedly uses no water, will not be impacted by these new regulations. A concerned citizen commented that the regulations are "after the fact" and punishment would be "too late" if water and sound were already ruined.
Kearney City Manager Brenda Jensen addressed these worries by assuring that future companies would be held liable for any violations. She also clarified that, apart from the existing crypto mining center, no other building permits have been pulled for data center projects in the city.