AI data centers on federal land roil Nevada governor's race

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

The first artificial intelligence data centre approved on US federal land near Las Vegas has prompted local opposition over environmental and utility concerns.

The Townsite data centre near Boulder City, Nevada, became the first artificial intelligence computing facility approved on federal public land. Construction is currently stalled after a judge ruled that the government could not use an environmental review originally prepared when the project was intended to be a solar farm.

Local residents successfully opposed an earlier plan for the data centre on private land over the summer. Developers then withdrew that application and sought adjacent federal land owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which approved it. Janelle Sorenson, a Boulder City resident, said she was "kept in the dark" and had no say in the decision. She expressed concerns that the facility would ruin the small community and scar the desert landscape.

Tech companies are eager to build data centres as large as 70 football fields, and Townsite could set a precedent for similar projects on federal property. More than a dozen other data centres are in the planning stages on federal land. President Donald Trump has been a steadfast supporter of the artificial intelligence industry, viewing it as a source of economic growth and part of competition with China. However, data centres have been unpopular in many communities, with voters worried about higher electricity bills, declining water supplies and environmental impacts.

How it is being reported

• AI data centers are coming for federal land. They are roiling the Nevada governor's raceVoters across the country are worried about the effects artificial intelligence data centers are having on electricity bills, water and the environment.Clickorlando · 13 Oct, 12:28
• AI data centers are coming for federal land. They are roiling the Nevada governor's raceVoters across the country are worried about the effects artificial intelligence data centers are having on electricity bills, water and the environment.News4Jax · 13 Oct, 12:28

In this story: Janelle Sorenson · Boulder City · Nevada · U.S. Bureau of Land Management · Donald Trump · China · Townsite

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