Pahrump Residents Protest Data Center Development as Nye County Commission Considers Ban
Pahrump residents held a protest against data center development, voicing concerns over water usage, electricity costs, and noise. The Nye County Commission is set to discuss a proposed bill that would prohibit data centers in communities without an elected town board, with a public forum scheduled before the vote.
Pahrump, Nevada residents participated in a national day of protest against data center development, gathering at the intersection of Highway 160 and Highway 372. Protesters, including Tony Taylor and Teresa Redl, expressed significant concerns about the potential impact of data centers on the community's sole-source aquifer, increased electricity costs, and noise pollution.
The community's unease comes as the Nye County Commission prepares to address Bill No. 2026-11 on August 4, which proposes to prohibit data center development in Nye County communities that lack an elected town board. Commissioner Ian Bayne attended the protest to clarify details about the upcoming bill and forum.
Prior to the commission's vote, a public information event called the Nye County Data Center Forum is scheduled for July 25 to allow for open discussion. Separately, the developers behind the Manse Technology Campus, formerly known as the Blackjack Data Center, have announced their own public information event for August 3 to address community concerns directly.