Otoe County officials voted last month to suspend permits for new data centers for as long as one year. The move follows resident concerns about water use, electricity costs, and potential heat impacts from the facilities.
Wynee Benedict addressed the Otoe County Board with questions about sufficient water supplies, who would cover power expenses, and risks of creating heat islands. The board acted to allow time for studying how such projects align with county plans and updating regulations. A proposed Google data center could demand more than triple the peak electricity used by Lincoln, according to documents from a January utility meeting. Tenaska, a potential partner, has optioned land in Otoe and nearby Gage counties. State lawmakers approved a transparency bill this year requiring annual reports on data center ownership, size, location, electricity demand, and water usage. Madison County has already added special permit rules, while Gage County plans a moratorium hearing later this month. Resident Jim Nemec said the pause could send the wrong signal about openness to business, though he understood the need for study. Benedict noted the county wanted rules in place before any facilities arrive.
