Earlier this month, the City of Sparks became one of the first cities in Nevada to begin the process of creating a city ordinance to regulate data centers.

Data centers are rapidly expanding across our state — often without clear guidance or oversight. These facilities can be highly resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of energy and water.

Unlike many other jurisdictions, Sparks is taking proactive steps to address these impacts through thoughtful regulation.

At Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), we believe in caring for creation and protecting our shared, vulnerable resources. This step by the City of Sparks is an important example of how local governments can act to ensure technological growth doesn’t come at the expense of environmental stewardship.