Broken Bow, Nebraska, Considers Data Center Moratorium, Postpones Zoning Vote
Broken Bow, Nebraska, officials are considering a six-month moratorium on data center operations and have postponed a vote on strict new zoning regulations. This follows public concern and an inquiry from a data center operator, prompting the city to seek more time to finalize rules addressing noise, water use, utility costs, and setbacks. The aim is to protect the community before any data center development can proceed.
Broken Bow officials are taking a cautious approach to data center development, proposing strict zoning regulations following public concern and an inquiry from an unnamed data center operator. The Broken Bow Planning Commission reviewed a draft ordinance that includes conditional use permits, noise limits (55 dBA/70 dBC), water-use restrictions (prohibiting continuous freshwater consumption), residential setbacks (up to half a mile for dry-air cooled facilities), and financial protections. City Administrator Jake Holcomb emphasized the need for legal protections within state law, acknowledging the rapid change in interest from developers after initial media coverage.
Key components of the proposed ordinance include mandatory FBI background checks for corporate officers, operators being fully responsible for municipal infrastructure upgrades (substations, water mains), and maintaining a three-month utility deposit. Residents voiced strong opposition and concerns, particularly regarding noise levels, utility demand, and potential strain on infrastructure, with Trent Loos of Hazard and Mark Cardoza of Sumner Road expressing skepticism about the area's capacity. Shailee Scranton of Thedford suggested a longer moratorium, citing rural areas as targets for large-scale developers.
After over an hour of public comment, the Planning Commission voted to postpone consideration of the ordinance to allow more time for review of public input and the City Council's expected discussion on a six-month moratorium. The proposed moratorium aims to provide the city with sufficient time to finalize robust zoning regulations before any data center applications can advance, reflecting the community's clear desire for comprehensive safeguards.