Residents urge pause on data center plans, cite water and pollution risks

David Begley, an attorney from Omaha, used the meeting’s public‑comment period to warn the board that changes to federal tax subsidies for wind and solar could drive a 40–50% rise in future power‑purchase prices and urged counties to consider refusing power from certain developers. Begley said he had seen conditional use permits withdrawn elsewhere and predicted litigation.

"Wind and solar are expensive and unreliable," Begley said, arguing that on low‑output days wind provided only a small fraction of capacity and that ratepayers could see higher bills if new projects proceed without careful planning. He identified an R1 transmission project as connected to broader regional planning and said he had spoken with county staff about options.

Carrie Fischer, a local rancher, followed with a prepared letter and a series of concerns about proposed data centers. Fischer highlighted water use and the county’s aquifer as a central worry, and said she had collected litigation and media reports from other jurisdictions where residents alleged wastewater and air or noise problems after large data‑center operations began.

"We ranch. It's our lifeline. ... We just really want to pause and a greater consideration on this," Fischer said, describing worries about wells, creek flows and potential contamination and asking the board to consider a moratorium or expanded public process.

County staff asked both speakers to provide digital copies of the materials they referenced. The board did not take an immediate vote on the topic during the public‑comment portion; commissioners and staff later noted the matter will be part of continued discussion as project applications and related permit work proceed.