TMRPA updates data center research, schedules public forum; board accepts staff report

The Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency governing board on Aug. 14 accepted a staff report summarizing the agency’s research into data centers and announced a public community conversation for Aug. 20 at the Collaboratory in Reno.

The report, presented by Director Jeremy Smith, summarized the agency’s role reviewing projects of regional significance and described updated findings about energy and water demands, tax abatements and potential community impacts. Following Smith’s presentation, three members of the public urged stricter local requirements and further analysis before more data centers locate in the Truckee Meadows region.

"I encourage you to continue to research all of those items and, including developing requirements or recommending requirements that local jurisdictions can take with regard to water use, to air quality, to noise abatement, and to fire prevention," said Kathy Folkerson, introduced in the meeting as a facilitator with Third Act Nevada.

Sandy Roth praised the agency’s work and asked officials to drill down on tax revenue, fire risks and diesel-generator emissions, referencing a Phoenix city council conversation and an International…