In June, the Bureau of Land Management approved a 167-megawatt data center in Eldorado Valley through a permitting process that did not include an environmental review or opportunities for public participation. It marked the first data center approved on public lands.

The project is located southeast of Las Vegas in habitat for the threatened desert tortoise. It also raises important questions about water use at a time when the Colorado River Basin faces increasing uncertainty. Last month, federal officials announced a new framework that could require Nevada to reduce its Colorado River water use by 13 percent under certain shortage conditions, underscoring the need for thoughtful planning about how we allocate one of our most limited resources. Water. Water is Life.

This summer Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) is taking a closer look at the rapid expansion of data centers and what it means for our state. Communities we call home are currently grappling with difficult questions as local governments, counties, and state leaders respond to an industry that has received significant incentives while placing growing demands on electricity, water, and land.

Nevada can benefit from technological innovation, but we also live in one of the driest states in the nation. Our energy grid is under increasing strain, the Colorado River continues to face long-term challenges, and our public lands and wildlife deserve careful stewardship. Decisions made today will shape Nevada’s future for generations.

During the 2027 legislative session, LEAN will advocate for stronger policies that ensure greater transparency, meaningful public participation, environmental accountability, and responsible planning for data center development. Good policy should protect our natural resources, strengthen our communities, and ensure that growth serves the common good rather than placing additional burdens on future generations.