Nye County residents clash with commissioners over new data center ordinance
The Nye County Commission voted to strengthen restrictions on data center development, including limits on water use, setbacks from residences and noise, but stopped short of banning the facilities. Pahrump-area residents and Commissioner Ian Bane opposed the decision, arguing that data centers could threaten the community’s rural character and water resources.
Residents spoke for several hours during a contentious Nye County Commission meeting about proposed data center development. Many Pahrump residents demanded a complete ban, while other speakers argued that data centers could bring construction jobs, road improvements and economic benefits by taking advantage of interconnection opportunities along an existing transmission line.
The commission approved enhanced countywide restrictions addressing water usage, distance from residential properties and noise, but did not prohibit data centers. Commissioner Ian Bane voted against the measures and questioned whether the long-term economic benefits would outweigh the effects on the rural and retirement community. Residents said they feared losing the character of Pahrump and that some property owners might leave if a data center were built nearby.