Lancaster County Data Center Task Force Replaces Proposed Moratorium
Lancaster County, Nebraska, is establishing a new task force to study data center development, replacing an earlier proposed 12-month moratorium. The task force will focus on recommendations for appropriate locations, electricity, and water usage, as current zoning regulations do not cover data centers. The goal is to set clear rules for future development.
Lancaster County, Nebraska, has decided to form a new task force to examine data center development within its jurisdiction, effectively withdrawing a previous proposal for a 12-month moratorium on such projects. County Commissioner Matt Schulte stated that the task force will focus on creating recommendations for the appropriate placement and utility usage of data centers, rather than imposing a temporary ban.
Key issues to be addressed by the task force include the potential impact of high electricity consumption on local rates and concerns regarding water availability, particularly in groundwater-limited areas of the county. The group will also explore regulations, suitable data center sizes, and optimal locations.
Commissioner Schulte emphasized that the county's current zoning regulations do not adequately address data center development, necessitating new guidelines. He indicated that a previously proposed zoning change would be deferred until the task force completes its work. Schulte expressed a desire for significant representation from rural areas on the task force, where county zoning applies.
While acknowledging public concerns about resource use, Schulte clarified that the initiative aims to guide, not prevent, data center development, recognizing their societal need. He described the task force's timeline as "very aggressive," highlighting the urgency to establish clear rules.