New Data Center Task Force Announced in Nebraska
The state of Nebraska is taking proactive steps to balance technological growth with environmental stewardship. On Tuesday, Governor Jim Pillen revealed the formation of a new Data Center Task Force, a move following his executive order from July. This initiative aims to address the burgeoning data center industry and its potential impacts on vital state resources.
The task force, operating under the oversight of the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy (DWEE), will scrutinize how data centers affect Nebraska’s water supplies, power infrastructure, and local community systems. Gov. Pillen emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This task force has a significant undertaking, but its work is critical to considering future data center development.” He further highlighted the dual responsibility of fostering industry growth while safeguarding the state’s natural resources.
The appointed members of the task force are notable figures from various sectors:
Mark Hewett — President, CEO, and Director of Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Chris Leitner -– President and CEO of Tenaska
David Miles – President of Kiewit Infrastructure Group
Mike Miller — Broadband Group Leader at HDR
Tony Cotton – General (USAF, Ret), former Commander of US Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base
Javier Fernandez – CEO of the Omaha Public Power District
Tom Kent – President and CEO of the Nebraska Public Power District
Emeka Anyanwu – CEO of the Lincoln Electric System
Rick Nelson – General Manager of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association
Micaela Wuehler – County Commissioner, Lincoln County
Angi Burmeister – County Commissioner, Sarpy County
Heath Mello – President and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber
Kevin Stocker – Commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission
Ron Kaminski – President, Building, Construction and Trades Council, NE & Southwest IA
John Winkler – General Manager, Papio NRD
Dave Eichenberg – General Manager, Upper Big Blue NRD
Doug Whitfield – Vice President of Water Operations, Metropolitan Utilities District
The task force is tasked with equipping county officials with essential tools, zoning guidelines, and policy frameworks to manage data center development effectively. Their inaugural meeting is slated for next month.
This announcement comes amidst a challenging year for data centers in Nebraska. Earlier in the year, Gov. Pillen championed legislation to streamline data center development. However, facing mounting pressure from residents concerned about environmental impacts, Pillen issued an executive order in July suspending tax incentives for such projects. The decision followed significant opposition from over a dozen counties inundated with requests to delay data center projects, as reported by Nebraska Public Media.
