Cass County moves closer to moratorium on data centers

The Cass County Planning Commission in Nebraska voted to recommend a data center moratorium to the Board of Commissioners, a move that would pause new data center development until comprehensive regulations are firmly established. The decision, made at a meeting filled with county residents, was met with strong public support and applause.

In addition to the moratorium, the planning commissioners also recommended specific regulations for data centers, including requirements for industrial-zoned locations, closed-loop water systems where feasible, and megawatt build-out plans for hyperscale projects. These regulations also stipulate that approved projects must not have significant negative environmental impacts or must mitigate them according to county standards. The length of the proposed moratorium will be determined by the County Board.

Cass County would become at least the 12th county in Nebraska to enact such a moratorium, following others like Butler, Box Butte, and Otoe. Public comment during the meeting focused heavily on environmental impact, noise pollution, water consumption, and electricity demands, with residents like Terry Tilson and Ellie Sampson expressing concerns about the long-term effects on their community and natural environment. Planning Commission member George Tesar Jr. was the sole vote against the moratorium, arguing that the recommended regulations were sufficient.