Nye County commissioners reach compromise after marathon meeting on Pahrump data center
Nye County commissioners debated a proposed ban on data centers in Pahrump and Nye County during a six-hour marathon meeting. Residents voiced strong opposition and support, ultimately leading commissioners to vote to put the issue to county voters. The earliest the measure could appear on a ballot is January.
Nye County commissioners held a marathon six-hour meeting to discuss a proposed agenda item that would effectively ban data centers in Pahrump and across Nye County. The meeting, marked by passionate arguments and public comments, saw residents express both strong opposition and some support for data center development.
Commission Chair Ron Boscovich had to order breaks as tempers flared. Concerns raised by residents included questions about the decision-making process, the suitability of placing data centers in Nevada's hot and dry climate, and the potential impact on the community. A representative for "Mantz facility" gave a presentation that some residents found satisfactory, highlighting enforcement capabilities written into agreements with the county and state.
Instead of voting on the proposed ban, Commissioner Bruce Jabbour offered a compromise: to put the issue to the voters. This motion passed five to nothing. The Nye County Clerk indicated that due to ballot deadlines, the earliest the measure could appear on a ballot would be in January, and it would be at Nye County's expense.