Seward County becomes latest Nebraska county to put moratorium on data centers
Seward County, Nebraska, commissioners have unanimously approved a year-long moratorium on data center construction. The moratorium will remain in effect until the county can finalize new zoning regulations for data centers. The decision stems from concerns about environmental impacts, water and electrical infrastructure, noise, roadways, and decommissioning.
Seward County, Nebraska, commissioners have enacted a year-long moratorium on data center construction, making it one of at least ten counties in the state to implement such a pause. The unanimous vote, with two members absent, aims to provide the county with time to develop comprehensive zoning regulations for data centers before any new projects can proceed.
Commission Chair Misty Ahmic emphasized that the moratorium is not a rejection of business but a necessary step for due diligence, ensuring that any future data center development aligns with the county's needs and sustainability goals. Residents have voiced concerns regarding the environmental impacts, particularly concerning water and electrical infrastructure, noise, and the long-term effects of decommissioning these facilities. Ahmic noted the county's limited water supply and the need to research water usage practices by data centers.
Over the next year, the commissioners plan to research best practices for zoning regulations. They will also seek a hydrogeologic study of Seward County's water supply from the Upper Big Blue and Lower Platte South natural resources districts and consult with planning experts. The move follows the state legislature's passage of LB663, which requires counties to base special and conditional use permit decisions on existing zoning regulations, highlighting the urgency for Seward County to establish its own specific data center rules.