Nye County sets data center regulations
The Nye County Commission approved Bill No. 2026-14, establishing regulations for data centers everywhere in the county except Pahrump’s Hydrographic Basin No. 162, where data centers remain banned. The rules require special-use permits, development agreements, power and water studies, water-use limits, and multiple environmental and infrastructure reviews, while developers of Manse Technology Campus are suing over the Pahrump ban.
The Nye County Commission approved a new data center regulatory framework after amending Bill No. 2026-14 to clarify that it does not override the existing ban in Pahrump’s Hydrographic Basin No. 162. The measure passed 4-0 after amendments backed by Commissioners John Koenig and Debra Strickland; Commissioner Ian Bayne did not participate in the final vote after opposing a suspension of Robert’s Rules of Order.
The regulations require data center developers to obtain a special-use permit and development agreement, present projects at public hearings, and submit studies covering power, water, sewer, traffic, telecommunications, noise, drainage, and natural and cultural resources. The ordinance limits water consumption to one-quarter acre-foot per developed acre annually and includes setbacks, height and noise limits, fencing, lighting, cooling-system restrictions, and enforcement penalties. Public comments focused on the Manse Technology Campus, whose developers are suing over the Pahrump ban, as well as concerns that projects near the Clark County border could draw water from the affected basin.