Nebraska Legislature advances bill paving the way for data centers

The Nebraska Legislature has advanced a bill aimed at regulating large, private companies involved in funding, constructing, and powering significant energy projects, specifically data centers. The legislation mandates that any private company undertaking such a large project in the state must connect to a public utility and bear the costs of necessary grid upgrades. Senator Danielle Conrad led the opposition, expressing concerns that the bill, which she called rushed and risky, could negatively impact Nebraska's land, water resources, and utility rates. She attempted to amend the bill to require companies to disclose their power and water usage, the source of these resources, and the potential economic impact on the state. These concerns were heightened by a Flatwater Free Press report indicating that Google plans to build a data center in Nebraska that could consume as much electricity as the entire City of Lincoln. Senator Conrad highlighted a growing national sentiment against data centers consuming significant land, water, and power. Despite Senator Conrad's efforts to find a compromise and her proposed amendments, which some supporters denied were related to Google's project, the amendments were struck down. The Legislature ultimately approved the bill with a vote of 34-7, advancing it through the legislative process.