A Nebraska county just banned new data centers for up to a year. More could follow
Otoe County, Nebraska, has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center permits due to resident concerns over water and electricity usage, and potential heat island effects. This action follows growing opposition to data centers nationally and in other Nebraska counties like Gage and Madison. State lawmakers also passed new legislation to address energy impacts and increase transparency for data center projects.
The Otoe County Board in Nebraska has voted to suspend permits for new data centers for up to one year, a decision driven by resident concerns regarding water availability, electricity demand, and potential environmental impacts. Commissioner Chuck Cole confirmed the pause is intended to allow county officials time to study the issues and update regulations. This move comes amid increasing local opposition to data centers across the country, particularly in rural areas.
Wynee Benedict, a local resident, voiced concerns about the resource demands of data centers, specifically mentioning a proposal by Google, with Tenaska as a potential partner, to build a large data center in southeast Nebraska that could triple Lincoln's electricity usage during peak months. While the Google project's specific location wasn't identified, Flatwater Free Press reported Tenaska had optioned land in Otoe and Gage counties, sparking local discussions. Jim Nemec, another Otoe County resident, acknowledged the need for study but also expressed worries about the impression the ban might create for businesses.
Elsewhere in Nebraska, Madison County recently implemented special permit requirements for data centers to allow for greater oversight and public input. Gage County's planning and zoning commission is also set to hold a hearing in June regarding a data center moratorium. Jon Cannon, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, suggests that a recent change in state law, intended to prevent project delays, might inadvertently lead more counties to enact moratoriums to get their regulations in order. Nebraska lawmakers, prompted by Gov. Jim Pillen, also passed legislation this year to allow private power generation for large industrial customers and a separate bill requiring data centers to report ownership, size, location, and resource usage annually.