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Residents and commissioners say Clark County should pause new data centers amid energy, water concerns
Summary
Public commenters and commissioners raised concerns about data centers’ energy and water demands; a resident and a Chamber-affiliated leader urged a moratorium while officials consider an energy policy.
During public comment at the Nov. 26 meeting, several residents urged Clark County officials to reconsider expansion of data-center development, citing energy and water impacts and local capacity limits.
"The data centers are going to come in and take our water," audience member Diana Daniels said, recounting research she said she had done on energy and water demands. Daniels cited articles on data-center energy needs and tax breaks being used by out-of-area LLCs to buy farmland.
Commission President Sasha L. Rittenhouse and Commissioner Charles A. Patterson both said the county "does not have the resources here to sustain them" and that, for the moment, "we all feel there should be no more data centers here." Darrin Cotter, who identified himself as representing the Turner Foundation, a township trustee and chair of the Chamber of Commerce board, said the Chamber's posture is "no more data centers in Clark County," citing concerns that AI-focused centers consume even more power and water.
Commissioner Melanie F. Wilt said the county should consider an energy policy and referred to the existing CONNECT Clark County Plan as a foundation for broader energy planning.
No moratorium or formal policy was adopted at the meeting; commissioners and staff said they would pursue more information and stakeholder input.
