Pahrump residents oppose proposed 900-acre data center campus
Pahrump residents overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to a proposed 900-acre data center campus, known as Manse Technology Campus or Project Blackjack, at a community forum. Concerns focused on the valley's limited water supply, potential pollution, electricity demands, and impacts on the rural quality of life. The project is still seeking required approvals.
The Nye County Board of County Commissioners hosted a community forum on July 25th at the Commissioners Chambers in Pahrump to discuss a proposed data center development. The meeting saw a large turnout of residents, with the majority expressing strong opposition to the project.
The proposed development, known as the Manse Technology Campus (formerly Project Blackjack), is a privately financed venture estimated at $18.4 billion, covering approximately 900 acres along State Route 160. Developers indicate that construction could commence in 2027, pending necessary approvals.
Key concerns raised by residents included the Pahrump's Basin 162 aquifer's ability to support such a large facility, the disposal of wastewater, the chemicals used in cooling systems, and potential contamination. Other issues highlighted were air and noise pollution, heat generation, increased traffic, strain on local infrastructure and emergency services, high electricity demands, and the overall impact on Pahrump's rural character.
Project representatives stated that the campus would utilize a closed-loop cooling system to recycle water and minimize reliance on local supplies. They also committed to funding their own electrical transmission upgrades. Developers project the creation of approximately 1,600 construction jobs over five years, followed by 380 permanent positions, and anticipate increased property tax revenue for county services. However, many residents at the meeting conveyed that these potential economic benefits do not outweigh their environmental and water supply concerns, calling for additional studies and greater transparency before any final county approval.