Gov. Pillen signs order to protect Nebraska’s public power from data center drain
Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska signed an executive order to eliminate taxpayer subsidies for large-scale data centers in the state. The order also establishes a Data Center Task Force to safeguard Nebraska's public power, land, and water resources. This action follows several counties implementing pauses on data center permits and construction.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order on Monday aimed at ending taxpayer subsidies for large-scale data centers across the state. Governor Pillen stated that the goal of the order is to protect Nebraska's public power, land, and water resources, emphasizing that the state should attract "givers, not takers" regarding economic development without relying on incredible tax incentives. The executive order also establishes a Data Center Task Force to ensure the state's valuable resources are protected.
Governor Pillen clarified that this order is not a moratorium, despite many counties within Nebraska independently implementing pauses on permits and construction for data centers. Democratic nominee for Governor, Lynn Walz, issued a statement in response, criticizing Governor Pillen for previously lobbying senators to pass similar incentives just four months prior, stating, "We are tired of politicians saying one thing and doing another."