Switch’s plan to add another data center to Las Vegas HQ moves forward
Clark County commissioners tentatively approved Switch's proposal to add another data center to its Las Vegas complex, despite opposition from environmental groups and residents. Commissioners cited Switch's use of 100% renewable energy and closed-loop cooling systems as reasons for their support. The decision comes amidst broader public pushback against data center developments in Southern Nevada.
Clark County commissioners have tentatively approved a proposal from Switch to expand its data center complex in the southwest valley of Las Vegas. The unanimous vote, with commissioners acting as the zoning board, granted land-use entitlements for the additional data center. This decision is subject to final affirmation if no commissioner requests a subsequent hearing within five working days.
The expansion faced opposition from environmental groups, including the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition and the Sierra Club, and local residents who raised concerns during the public comment period. Opponents cited the rapidly expanding data center industry's strain on the state's energy grid, increased demand for natural gas plants by NV Energy, and the overall environmental impact, including water and energy usage and climate change. Minja Yan, a Democratic nominee, also argued the expansion was incompatible with the neighborhood.
Despite these apprehensions, commissioners supported Switch's proposal, distinguishing it from other data center developments. They highlighted Switch's commitment to 100% renewable energy, funded through its own infrastructure, and its use of non-evaporative closed-loop cooling systems. Commissioner Michael Naft noted a decade of zero noise complaints due to the company owning surrounding land, emphasizing that this approval was specific to Switch and not a blanket endorsement for all data centers. Commissioner April Becker praised Switch as an example for the industry.
This approval comes amidst increasing public pushback against data center proposals in Southern Nevada. Boulder City's Planning Commission recently recommended rejecting an 88.5-acre data center proposed by Texas-based Skylar Capital Management, while Henderson is considering a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications. In Northern Nevada, Reno City Council also approved a roughly yearlong pause on AI data center approvals while exploring possible regulations.