Nye County residents mobilize against proposed Blackjack Data Center ahead of August vote
Nye County residents are mobilizing against the proposed Blackjack Data Center in Pahrump, citing concerns over water and electricity supply. An existing moratorium on new data center applications is in place, and a commissioner has placed a moratorium specifically on the Blackjack application. Opponents have started a petition, and a public forum is scheduled ahead of an August vote on the project.
The future of the proposed Blackjack Data Center in Nye County, Nevada, remains uncertain amidst growing public opposition and an upcoming August vote. The project, planned for nearly 900 acres of desert land east of Pahrump, envisions a technology campus with roughly 800,000 square feet of buildings and an 800-acre supporting solar facility proposed by Tesla Solar LLC.
While supporters highlight the potential for economic growth and long-term investment, critics, including many residents, express significant concerns about the region's limited water supply and electrical capacity. A proposal for the data center reportedly failed in January due to a lack of public input. Residents have since ramped up opposition efforts, with one individual starting a petition to ban data centers, which garnered over 1200 signatures in two days.
Nye County Commissioner In Vain has placed a moratorium on new data center applications, including the Blackjack Data Center, and is organizing a public forum for July 25th in the Nye County Commission Chambers to gather additional community feedback. Resident Robert Broadback, who has lived in Pahrump for 20 years, questioned the region's capacity to support such a large project.
As another vote approaches, both proponents and opponents are expected to continue advocating their positions. The debate highlights the tension between economic development and environmental sustainability in fast-growing regions.