Boulder City, Pahrump data center debate heats up over water, power use

Proposed data centers in Boulder City and Pahrump, Nevada, are generating significant debate, with opponents expressing concerns about water usage and the burden on the power grid, while supporters highlight potential jobs and tax revenue.

In Boulder City, City Attorney Brittney Walker filed a 228-page appeal with the Department of the Interior to block the proposed Townsite Data Center. This action was taken after the developer relocated the project site to land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The city argues that the BLM bypassed the National Environmental Policy Act regarding energy demands and circumvented local government consultation requirements.

Public concerns in Boulder City focus on the potential for higher electric bills due to the data center's demand on the power grid. Economist John Restrepo noted that this could lead to increased competition between data centers, consumers, and other businesses for electricity, impacting ratepayers. Pahrump residents voiced similar worries during a recent town hall meeting with the Nye County Commission regarding a data center planned on 900 acres along State Route 160.

Sean D'allesandro, a developer for the Pahrump project, countered that Nye County is projected to receive $12 million in permitting fees and an additional $114 million annually in tax revenue, benefiting schools and community services. He also stated the project would buy power from generating sources to protect ratepayers. Meanwhile, the libertarian think tank Nevada Policy suggested exploring nuclear energy, specifically modular reactors, as an efficient way for data centers to generate their own power. Restrepo advised a clear-eyed, objective approach to data centers, warning against being overly swayed by developers' promises or opponents' fears.