Gov. Pillen appoints 17 members to Nebraska Data Center Task Force

News ClipWOWT·NE·8/18/2026

Governor Jim Pillen has appointed 17 members to Nebraska's newly formed Data Center Task Force. The task force, created by an executive order that also ended taxpayer subsidies for large data centers, will evaluate the industry's impact on the state's water, power grids, and local infrastructure. It will also develop zoning guidelines and policy frameworks for county officials to manage data center growth.

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Gov: Office of the Governor of Nebraska, Nebraska Data Center Task Force, Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy, Lincoln County, Sarpy County, Omaha Public Power District, Nebraska Public Power District, Lincoln Electric System, Nebraska Rural Electric Association, Nebraska Public Service Commission, Papio NRD, Upper Big Blue NRD, Metropolitan Utilities District

Governor Jim Pillen has announced the appointment of 17 members to the Nebraska Data Center Task Force. The task force was established by an executive order signed by Pillen in July, which also ceased taxpayer subsidies for large-scale data center developments within the state.

Overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy, the task force's mandate is to assess the comprehensive impact of data centers on Nebraska's vital resources, including water and power grids, as well as local infrastructure. A key objective is to equip county officials with the necessary tools, zoning guidelines, and policy frameworks to effectively manage the future growth of data centers.

Governor Pillen underscored the critical nature of the task force's work, stating the importance of balancing the burgeoning data center industry with the continued preservation of the state's land, electricity, and water resources. The appointed members bring expertise from various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, county government, public service, and natural resource management. The group is expected to convene for its inaugural meeting in September.