Gage County holds public hearing about possible moratorium on data centers
The Gage County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing regarding a proposed 18-month moratorium on data centers after previously approving an eight-month pause. Community members expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about energy, water usage, property taxes, and potential health impacts. The board is expected to make a decision in the next two weeks.
The Gage County Board of Supervisors in Nebraska convened a public hearing on Wednesday evening to discuss a proposed 18-month moratorium on data center construction in rural Gage County. This hearing followed an earlier meeting on August 5, where the board initially approved an eight-month moratorium to allow time for further research into data centers' implications for the local economy.
During the hearing, dozens of residents voiced their strong opposition to data centers. Concerns raised by the public included the immense energy and water consumption required by these facilities, potential fluctuations in property taxes, and the safety of living near a data center, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children at daycares and elderly individuals in nursing homes. An overwhelming majority of attendees supported the 18-month moratorium.
The board indicated that it requires time to consider the public's input and suggested that a decision regarding the proposed moratorium could be made within the next two weeks.