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Nevada Data Center Fight Spills Into Governor’s Race
The Townsite project is the first approved on federal public land, and the fight has pushed candidates to sharpen their positions on tax breaks and water use.
In Nevada's closely watched governor's race, data center development on public lands has emerged as a polarizing issue between Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democratic nominee Aaron Ford.
With 80% of Nevada owned by the federal government, the Townsite project became a flashpoint after the Bureau of Land Management authorized it, leaving residents like Janelle Sorenson feeling excluded from the process.
Boulder City resident Sorenson and former Republican Autumn McGrath-Shook oppose the projects, while University of Nevada Las Vegas professor David Damore noted candidates have 'muddied the waters' on their positions.
Ford pledged to pause tax abatements and pursue litigation against data centers, while Lombardo signed an executive order requiring them to pay more taxes to support schools.
Sierra Club director Olivia Tanager urged Congress to pass stricter environmental review legislation, while Data Center Coalition executive Dan Diorio said the industry intends to develop responsibly, 'ensuring that it' causes no harm.