Data centers are becoming a much bigger part of Nevada’s economy, and our demand for electricity, water, land, and public infrastructure.

A new Las Vegas Review-Journal overview highlights just how quickly the industry is expanding and why Nevadans should be paying attention.

ENERGY

Data centers currently account for about 5% of NV Energy’s electricity sales. NV Energy projects that could grow dramatically in the coming decades.

That raises an important question: Who will pay for the new power plants, transmission lines, and other infrastructure needed to serve these massive electricity users?

Nevada households should not be left carrying costs created by some of the largest energy users on the grid.

WATER

Nevada data centers are not currently required to publicly disclose their water consumption.

Available records show data centers collectively used about 716 million gallons of water in 2024.

In the driest state in the nation, transparency about major water users matters.

TAX INCENTIVES

Nevada has offered significant tax abatements to attract data centers.

Supporters argue these incentives bring investment, construction, jobs, and economic development. Others are asking whether the public benefits justify the amount of tax revenue Nevada gives up — including revenue that otherwise supports public services.

LAND & CREATION CARE

Data-center development also raises questions about public lands, wildlife habitat, groundwater, air pollution, and Nevada’s climate goals.

These decisions aren’t only about technology. They are decisions about how we steward the land, water, energy, and resources we share.

COMMUNITY VOICE

Communities across Nevada are already debating moratoriums, water restrictions, development agreements, zoning requirements, and other safeguards.

As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, LEAN believes Nevadans deserve clear information and meaningful opportunities to participate in these decisions.

The questions we should keep asking are:

Who benefits? Who bears the costs? How much water and energy will be required? What public resources are being offered? And how do we ensure Nevada’s growth serves the common good?

Creation care calls us to think not only about what we can build, but how we faithfully steward what has been entrusted to us.

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” — Psalm 24:1