LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Opposition to data center development is growing — not just in Southern Nevada, but across the country — with new polling showing 7 in 10 Americans oppose building data centers in their communities.
WATCH | Geneva Zoltek explains how the backlash is growing and why political candidates are being pushed to pick a side:
Public outcry is now forcing candidates in key midterm races to take a stand on the issue. For example, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas is putting a freeze on new data centers, and in Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is imposing new restrictions on them.
In Southern Nevada, locals have voiced strong concerns about how they want to see the AI tech boom reined in. Water and power are among the biggest concerns.
Nye County recently decided to implement a ban on data centers. No other county-wide moratoriums are currently in place in the Silver State, but the legislative session is approaching — as are the midterm elections — and public pushback and demand for action may be driving voter decisions at the polls in just a few months.
Local News
Nye County approves data center ban, working on development agreement for future
It's already on the minds of some of the top statewide candidates.
Attorney General Aaron Ford announced last week a Data Center Accountability Agenda, which would include a pause on tax breaks for the facilities if he is elected to the governor's seat in November.
Gov. Joe Lombardo has shown support for data centers, writing on X that they bring jobs, investment and economic growth to Nevada.
Henderson
