Pillen Talks Data Centers, Property Taxes and Nebraska’s Petition Process
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen discussed data center development during a statewide radio program, emphasizing the need to protect water supplies and electric ratepayers. He expressed general opposition to moratoriums, preferring community-specific decisions, and mentioned a state task force examining data center impacts.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen addressed the issue of data center development during his monthly statewide call-in radio program. He emphasized a three-pronged approach for the state, stating the need to protect water resources, ensure data centers do not burden electric ratepayers, and avoid offering tax credits to developers. The governor noted that a state task force is currently investigating data center development and its effects on electricity and other resources.
Pillen also expressed his general opposition to moratoriums on data center construction, preferring that decisions about individual projects be made on a case-by-case basis at the community level.
Beyond data centers, Governor Pillen discussed property tax reform, advocating for caps on property valuation increases to one or two percent, citing rising taxes and local government spending as key issues. He also called for changes to Nebraska's petition process, specifically regarding how signature gatherers are compensated, suggesting hourly pay over per-signature payments to prevent fraud. Additionally, the governor responded to questions about developmental disability services administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and discussed the upcoming visit of Czech President Petr Pavel.