Village of Nehawka votes to ban data centers
The Village of Nehawka, Nebraska, has voted to ban data centers within its zoning jurisdiction due to resident concerns over noise, water pollution, and water usage. This decision follows a year-long moratorium enacted by Cass County commissioners, which did not apply to Nehawka's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Other communities in Cass County are expected to consider similar measures.
The Village of Nehawka, Nebraska, has taken a decisive step by voting to prohibit data centers, cryptocurrency mining, blockchain computing, and associated power plants within its zoning jurisdiction. This ordinance, which takes effect in 15 days, was spurred by significant concerns from residents regarding potential noise, water pollution, and excessive water usage.
Chad Kruger, co-chairperson of the Nehawka Village Board, stated that residents brought the issue to the board's attention after learning that a year-long data center moratorium enacted by Cass County commissioners did not extend to Nehawka's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Energy company Tenaska has reportedly been making offers to landowners in Cass County for a proposed 1,300-acre data center project along Highway 75.
Jayden Speed of Cass County Data Center Watch highlighted Nehawka as the first municipality in the county, and possibly the state, to implement an outright ban on data center development. Speed anticipates that other communities, including Union, Murray, and Plattsmouth, may follow Nehawka's lead. Meanwhile, Cass County commissioners are scheduled to vote on September 22 on broader regulations for potential data centers, addressing aspects like energy and water usage, and public communication.