A map released this week by the Center for Western Priorities shows at least 17 data centers under consideration on public lands in six western states, with 35 total sites identified on Bureau of Land Management territory. Fifteen of those sites are located in Nevada. The map also includes 13 applications for supporting infrastructure and five that could not be classified based on public information.
The Townsite Solar II project proposed in Boulder City drew attention to the trend as community members raised concerns about water and power demand, potential utility bill impacts, and generator noise during outages. Proponents have argued the projects bring construction jobs. According to a Department of Interior document dated Oct. 15, the BLM has vacated its decision to approve the Townsite Solar II project, though that does not mean the project has been killed.
A Sierra Club representative called the Boulder City example "the blueprint for data centers across public lands in the West." Critics say the BLM approval process lacks transparency and that the agency often collects but ignores public input. CWP Deputy Director Lauren Bogard said data centers are not like oil, gas, or minerals that exist only on public lands, and there is no reason to assume they belong there.
Representatives Jared Huffman, Dina Titus, and 13 other members of Congress sent Interior Secretary Doug Burgum 18 questions about data centers on public lands on Sept. 24, asking for answers by Oct. 8. Bogard said the administration should be obligated to solicit public feedback before considering such projects and that none should move forward without a permitting framework that includes environmental review and community benefits.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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