Lancaster County data center task force seeks applicants

Lancaster County officials are seeking applicants for a newly established task force designated to study the various impacts of data center development within the county. The task force is expected to hold approximately six meetings between October and December in the County-City Building.

Separately, a significant public hearing was held in Beatrice, Gage County, concerning a proposed 18-month moratorium on data center construction. Residents from areas like Adams, Firth, and Crab Orchard testified, largely expressing strong opposition to data center developments. Tatiana Bargen of Adams, whose home is adjacent to a potential data center site in northeast Gage County, criticized the county for potentially allowing "hyperscale industrial parks" in residential areas after residents had already invested in their homes. Other speakers, including Bryce Nielsen of Firth, prompted a show of support for the moratorium from many attendees. Gage County officials, including Supervisors Eddie Dorn, Gary Lytle, Erich Tiemann, Emily Haxby, Rick Clabaugh, and Rex Adams, along with County Clerk Dawn Hill and County Attorney Amanda Fanning, were present to hear the testimonies.