Gov. Pillen’s new executive order brings hope to those worried about data centers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Google-owned data center site at North 56th and Highway 77 was virtually uninterrupted on Monday, following Governor Jim Pillen’s executive order.

SEE ALSO: Data centers executive order signed by Gov. Pillen today

Workers in hard hats were seen clearing the land, and cranes in the distance could be seen lifting and placing heavy materials to construct the $1.2 billion center.

Many of Gov. Pillen’s constituents told Channel 8 that they are relieved by the news that the order will halt tax subsidies to large scale data centers in Nebraska.

The growing centers are leaving many on edge, like Wahoo native Kendra Robinson.

“Well, I hope if they continue to build the data centers, maybe they can give us some peace of mind that they won’t create a water crisis or maybe they can do more research on environmental impact,” said Robinson.

She says her hopes are high for what information will come from the Governor’s data center task force.

“Maybe they can let us know exactly how much water it’s going to use, and the environmental impact it’s going to have and maybe if people are going to keep their jobs,” said Robinson.

The massive constructive site Channel 8 visited Monday showed no lack of workers.

Many of them were on excavators and a variety of trucks were coming and going.

A request for reaction to the order was submitted to the construction company on site, but no response was received at the time of this article.