Nye County expands regulations on data centers
Nye County commissioners approved new regulations governing future data center development. The rules require a special use permit, prohibit data centers in agricultural zones, limit their use of public water, and require developers to cover infrastructure costs, amid concerns from residents about community impacts.
Nye County commissioners approved expanded regulations for future data center development in the county. The rules require a special use permit, bar data centers from agriculturally zoned land, limit public-water use to 5 acre-feet per acre, and require applicants to pay for related infrastructure, including transmission lines and roads.
Residents voiced opposition during public comment, warning that data centers could place pressure on water resources and alter the character of their communities. The regulations apply to data centers in the Nevada Hydrographic Basin and follow an earlier county ban on data centers in the Pahrump area, which remains in effect. The new rules are scheduled to take effect in October.