Pahrump residents protest against data centers on national day of protest
Southern Nevada residents protested against data centers in Pahrump, citing concerns over water, power, and environmental impact. Nye County currently has a temporary ban, with a permanent one considered but not advanced. Separately, Boulder City is appealing the Bureau of Land Management's approval of a data center project by Townsite Solar, and Henderson City Council will discuss a temporary data center moratorium.
Residents in Pahrump, Nevada, joined a national day of protest against AI data centers, gathering outside a local establishment along Highway 160. Organizers voiced concerns over the impact on water, power, and the environment. Nye County currently has a temporary ban on new data centers, with discussions underway for potentially stricter, more permanent regulations, though a recent measure for a permanent ban in Pahrump did not advance.
The local demonstration coincided with other significant developments in Southern Nevada. Boulder City's City Council unanimously voted to appeal the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) approval of a controversial data center project in Eldorado Valley. The project, proposed by Texas-based Townsite Solar, was approved by the BLM last month just outside Boulder City borders. City officials critiqued the BLM's approach, noting the agency reused a 2023 environmental review intended for a solar farm on the same land, effectively approving a new land use without proper federal processes. Townsite Solar stated its goal is to develop a "responsible, sustainable project."
Further discussions are anticipated in Henderson, where residents will hold a town hall to address data centers. The Henderson City Council is also scheduled to discuss a temporary moratorium on new data center developments.