Nye County approves data center moratorium

The Nye County Commission recently approved a county-wide moratorium on new data center applications, a decision driven by escalating public concern. The moratorium, sponsored by commission chair Ron Boskovich, was prompted after a developer approached Valley Electric Association for power for a potential data center in the Pahrump Valley area.

This temporary halt on development will remain in effect until Nye County drafts and adopts specific regulations for data centers, potentially integrating them into an existing solar ordinance. County Manager Brett Waggoner confirmed this approach, stating the new section would address concerns such as water use, noise, contamination risk, and infrastructure burden.

Public comment during the commission meeting revealed strong opposition, with residents like Ammie Nelson and Dwight Lilly advocating for a permanent ban rather than a temporary moratorium. Matthew Winterhawk highlighted the broad impact of data centers, citing demands on water, power, and emergency services, while others raised concerns about tax abatements and potential health issues. Local developer Russ Meads offered a contrasting view, suggesting data centers could boost county revenue and noting emerging technologies that reduce water usage.

Initially, commissioner John Koenig proposed exempting Tonopah from the moratorium at the town's request, but this was reconsidered. Commissioner Debra Strickland then moved for a county-wide moratorium, which passed unanimously, with the expectation that the new ordinance could be drafted within approximately 90 days, allowing communities within Nye County to opt in or out of certain provisions later.