Lincoln County commissioners reject proposed hold on data center applications; send zoning review to Planning Commission

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on June 1, 2026 in North Platte voted down a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑21, an attempt to impose what proponents framed as a temporary pause on data center applications. The roll-call vote failed 3–2, and the board subsequently voted unanimously to send a formal review of data‑center zoning rules to the county Planning Commission.

Why it matters: local officials said the county lacks a shared information base on water use, electrical demand and other impacts from data centers; the Planning Commission will study regulatory changes that could govern siting and permitting of such facilities.

Commissioner Joe Hewgley moved — and Commissioner Jerry Woodruff seconded — a version of Resolution No. 2026‑21 amended to replace the language “temporary moratorium” with a 90‑day hold on receiving any data‑center applications. Hewgley said he preferred a specified time frame rather than the term “moratorium.” Commissioner Micaela Wuehler argued in favor of a pause, saying, “It is a pause to gather more information and education.”

Commissioner Chris Bruns raised two central concerns that he said should drive policy: water usage and the strain on the county’s electrical system. Lincoln County Planning Director Judy Clark explained relevant permitting timelines, saying the statutory completeness review (often called a “shock clock”) gives staff 10 days to determine if an application is complete, the Planning Commission 90 days to make a recommendation, and a final determination must occur within 180 days.

On the amended resolution, Commissioners Bruns and Hewgley voted “aye.” Commissioners Woodruff, Wuehler and Chair Commissioner Kent Weems voted “nay,” and the motion failed. Chair Weems asked those who voted against the measure for their remarks; Commissioner Jerry Woodruff said he believed existing conditions and permit conditioning could address the county’s concerns without a hold.

After the failed motion the board tabled the item without taking an additional vote, then approved a separate motion, 5–0, directing the Lincoln County Planning Commission to investigate, review and provide recommendations on revisions to all data‑center–related zoning regulations. That referral formally initiates a process for staff and commissioners to gather information and consider ordinance changes.

Next steps: The Planning Commission will undertake the review and return recommendations to the county board; no timetable for the commission’s report was specified in the public minutes. The board’s action preserves the county’s current permit process while ordering a comprehensive review of zoning language related to data centers.