Massive data center in Lyon County is one step closer to being built
Lyon County commissioners have approved a zoning change for Copia Power's Monarch Data Center project near Yerington, despite significant resident and tribal opposition. The approval clears a major hurdle, though the 1,000-megawatt project still needs final design approval and state permits, including environmental ones. The county is also developing a new data center-specific ordinance, which will not apply to the Monarch project.
Lyon County commissioners voted 3-1 to approve a crucial zoning change for Copia Power's Monarch Data Center near Yerington, Nevada. This decision moves the proposed 4.6 million-square-foot, 1,000-megawatt facility, which includes a natural gas backup plant and battery storage, a step closer to construction. Commissioner Dave Hockaday cast the dissenting vote, citing concerns over public services, traffic, and community enjoyment.
The approval comes amidst a statewide trend where other jurisdictions like Reno, Nye, and Humboldt counties have enacted data center moratoriums. Despite Lyon County's approval of the Monarch project, the county is separately developing its own set of regulations for the data center industry. This new ordinance, however, is not expected to apply to Monarch as its application process was already underway. During a workshop, commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the draft ordinance, particularly regarding residential setbacks and water-cooling provisions, sending it back for revisions.
Opposition to the Monarch project has been strong and continuous, with dozens of residents speaking against it at the meeting. Concerns include potential impacts on water use, waste heat, seismic risks, traffic, noise, and air emissions. The Walker River Paiute and Yerington Paiute tribes have formally opposed the project, and the Sierra Club's Toiyabe Chapter stated it would "pursue every available legal avenue" to challenge the project, raising issues about the project's reliance on groundwater in an over-appropriated basin. Conversely, labor and business representatives advocated for the project, citing potential job creation and tax revenue.
Copia Power still requires final design approval from the board and various state approvals, including from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the State Engineer. Questions were also raised regarding NV Energy's capacity to supply the requested 1,000 megawatts, given reports of other companies facing service delays until 2032. A Copia representative indicated the company would self-supply power initially through its gas plant and battery storage, phasing in grid integration as capacity becomes available.