Gage County approves 12-month data center moratorium

Beatrice, Neb. (KLKN) — Gage County supervisors approved a 12-month moratorium on data center permits Wednesday as the county works to develop regulations specifically for the facilities.

The county already had an eight-month moratorium in place, while the Gage County Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended an 18-month moratorium.

Supervisor Emily Haxby said the county needs time to determine what rules should apply before accepting a permit.

“We don’t have any regulations in place currently for data centers, and we do need to take the time to make sure we have them in place prior to receiving a permit,” Haxby said. “So, I think that’s a very clear reason why.”

Supervisors ultimately landed on 12 months, with Supervisor Rex Adams saying he wants the county to move forward with developing regulations rather than prolonging the process.

“I believe the soonest we get regulations in place, the better off we are and not drag it out,” Adams said.

The board also discussed several factors that could affect those regulations, including potential action at the state and federal levels and work underway in other Nebraska communities.

“There is a lot of moving pieces right now that we have to keep reviewing,” Board Chair Erich Tiemann said.

Supervisors said they have heard from residents pushing for the full 18-month moratorium, including some who oppose having a data center in the county.

Tiemann said some of those residents are seeking an outcome a moratorium itself would not provide.

“I’ve gotten people that want to ban it, and I’ve heard that, and it’s like, that’s not what the 18-month moratorium does,” Tiemann said. “It’s not a ban.”

The moratorium temporarily pauses data center permits while the county works through regulations.

The new 12-month moratorium begins Wednesday. Supervisors said it could be extended if the county needs more time.