AI Data Centers Are on the Agenda of the Nevada Governor's Race

AI data centers planned for construction on federal lands in Nevada's Boulder City area are directly impacting the gubernatorial race between Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and Democratic candidate Aaron Ford.

Reflections of the Project in the Region

Boulder City resident Janelle Sorenson loves the town's quiet night skies, despite being close to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Sorenson believes that the planned AI data center will disrupt this quiet community and damage the desert landscape.

The First Project on Federal Lands

The Townsite data center holds the distinction of being the first project approved on public federal land in the country. However, construction has been halted after a judge ruled that the government could not use an outdated environmental review from when the project site was previously a solar farm.

Political Divide in the Governor's Race

Because 80 percent of Nevada's land belongs to the federal government, such projects have become a major issue in critical state elections. Republican Governor Joe Lombardo does not oppose establishing data centers on public lands, provided there is community support.

The Candidates' Approaches

Democratic candidate and state Attorney General Aaron Ford stated that he would oppose data centers on public lands, arguing that the priority should be affordable housing. Both candidates agree that the projects must comply with state regulations regarding energy costs and water resources.