Residents urge Lincoln County Commissioners to reconsider data center moratorium
Lincoln County residents are urging commissioners to reconsider a recently rejected moratorium on new data center development. Concerns raised include high water usage, significant power demand, and questions about the county's ability to enforce rules if projects proceed. This follows a 3-2 vote against the temporary moratorium by the board.
Lincoln County Commissioners faced renewed calls from residents to reconsider a pause on new data center development during their public comment period. This comes one week after the board voted 3-2 against implementing a temporary moratorium on data center construction and related permitting.
Residents raised several concerns, including the high water usage by data centers in an area already facing water appropriation issues, and the significant energy demand that could necessitate new power generation, such as a nuclear power station. Accountability and enforcement of county ordinances and regulations for data center projects were also questioned.
Beth DeFries, a resident of the Hidden Lake Subdivision, specifically asked what would prompt commissioners to revisit the moratorium, suggesting petitions from county voters as a potential catalyst. Commissioners who initially voted against the moratorium had stated that existing zoning tools and the county's comprehensive plan provided sufficient oversight.