Data Center Signal is tracking 39 clips about Tenaska data center developments across 4 states, including NE, VA, NM, OH.
Bipartisan opposition to AI data centers is growing across the US, driven by concerns over farmland, water, electricity costs, and local control. Specific actions include a 12-month moratorium in Cass County, Nebraska, and a New Mexico Supreme Court injunction halting well drilling for Oracle's Project Jupiter due to water scarcity concerns.
Across the U.S., a rare bipartisan coalition of conservative farmers and environmental groups is opposing the rapid development of AI data centers, citing concerns over farmland loss, water scarcity, and rising electricity costs. In Cass County, Nebraska, a moratorium was enacted on data center development, impacting potential projects by companies like Tenaska and CyrusOne. In New Mexico, a lawsuit challenging water allocation for Oracle's Project Jupiter has resulted in a temporary halt of well drilling authorization.
Across the US, an unlikely coalition of left and right-leaning groups is uniting to oppose data center developments, driven by concerns over farmland, water, and electricity. This cross-partisan opposition has led to a 12-month moratorium in Cass County, Nebraska, and a granted injunction in New Mexico halting well drilling for Oracle's Project Jupiter due to water scarcity concerns.
The Village of Nehawka, Nebraska, has voted to ban data centers within its zoning jurisdiction due to resident concerns over noise, water pollution, and water usage. This decision follows a year-long moratorium enacted by Cass County commissioners, which did not apply to Nehawka's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Other communities in Cass County are expected to consider similar measures.
Bipartisan opposition to data center development is growing across the US, exemplified by concerns in rural eastern Nebraska over farmland, water, and electricity, leading Cass County to enact a moratorium. In New Mexico, Oracle's Project Jupiter faces a lawsuit over water rights, with the state Supreme Court granting an injunction to halt well drilling. The debate is influencing state and local politics and policy decisions.
Across the US, an unlikely bipartisan coalition is forming to oppose new data center developments, driven by concerns over dwindling farmland, declining water supplies, and rising electricity costs. Cass County, Nebraska, enacted a moratorium on data center development, impacting potential projects by Tenaska and CyrusOne. In New Mexico, Oracle's Project Jupiter faces a legal challenge over water rights, with the Supreme Court halting well drilling authorization.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has appointed 17 members to a newly formed data center task force. This committee was established via executive order to propose methods for protecting natural resources like land, electricity, and water from data center use, and to bar data centers from receiving tax incentives. The task force aims to balance industry growth with resource preservation and is expected to hold its first meeting next month.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has appointed 17 leaders from various sectors to a new Data Center Task Force. This task force, overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy, will study the potential effects of data center development on the state's water resources, electrical grid, and local infrastructure. It will also evaluate zoning guidelines and policy frameworks for managing future development.
Cass County commissioners in Nebraska enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments following strong opposition from residents. Concerns primarily revolve around potential environmental impacts, including water and electricity usage, and changes to the quality of life in rural areas. While some highlighted potential tax revenue, commissioners opted for a pause to allow for further community discussion and clarification.
Proposed methane-powered plants across Ohio intended to power data centers could significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions. The article criticizes carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology as unproven "greenwashing" due to its reliance on toxic chemicals and the inexperience of Ohio's Department of Natural Resources with Class VI wells. Concerns are raised about specific projects in Jefferson and Harrison Counties, including Tenaska's Tri-State Energy Hub and its applications for 10 Class VI well permits.
Logan County, Nebraska, has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data centers, wind, solar, and cryptocurrency mining facilities to allow time to update its zoning regulations. This makes Logan the twelfth county in the state with such a temporary ban. Other Nebraska counties are also considering or refining their data center regulations amid state-level legislative changes.
The Cass County Planning Commission in Nebraska is set to vote on proposed data center regulations. This comes as Tenaska and Google are securing land south of Murray for a massive data center and natural gas power plant, amidst ongoing opposition to data centers in the state despite new pro-development legislation.
The Cass County Planning Commission approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development, driven by citizen concerns over a proposed Tenaska and Google project. Residents and State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh voiced worries about funding, resource consumption, water access, utility bills, and environmental impacts related to such developments.
Cass County, Nebraska residents are pushing back against a proposed data center development by Tenaska, citing concerns over water usage, loss of farmland, and utility impact. A coalition is advocating for an 18-month moratorium on data center permitting while the county's planning commission considers the project.
Cass County, Nebraska leaders are considering a moratorium on data center developments due to local concerns over water usage and farmland loss. Residents, organized under the Cass County Data Center Watch, are advocating for a pause on new regulations. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
Google's Nebraska data centers reported consuming a significant amount of water in 2025, raising concerns among residents and water professionals about availability during drought conditions. New state legislation will soon require companies to disclose annual water and power usage, while natural resource districts are also updating regulations. The data center industry is actively seeking technological solutions and greater efficiency to address these consumption issues.
Nebraska is seeing increased scrutiny over data center water usage, with Google reporting significant consumption. Local residents are expressing concerns over potential new data center projects in areas like Gage County, prompting state legislation for disclosure and local government entities to update regulations regarding water allocation.
Multiple counties in Iowa and Nebraska are enacting or considering moratoriums on data center development. In Gage County, Nebraska, the Planning Commission recommended an 18-month moratorium due to public concerns about environmental impacts, particularly water and electricity usage. This recommendation now awaits approval from the county commission.
Gage County's Planning Commission recommended an 18-month data center moratorium amidst local opposition regarding environmental and resource concerns. Across Nebraska, many counties are proposing or enacting moratoriums and updating zoning regulations, spurred partly by state legislation (LB1261) that facilitates private power development for large industrial customers, including data centers. This legislation has drawn criticism for fast-tracking data center approvals without sufficient environmental safeguards.
Otoe County has passed a moratorium on private power, a move that is being discussed by a data center subcommittee. This action may impact energy companies like Tenaska, which operates in the region. The broader scope of the data center subcommittee suggests this moratorium could have implications for data center development in the county.