Boulder City Residents Protest Proposed Data Center

Residents raise concerns over potential health and environmental impacts of the planned 88.5-acre facility.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:35am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a sleek, modern data server rack made of polished stainless steel and black tempered glass, floating on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic studio lighting casting deep shadows, conceptually representing the divisive debate over a proposed data center project in Boulder City.A proposed data center project in Boulder City has sparked community debate over the potential impacts on the city's environment and quality of life.Boulder City Today

A Houston-based developer has proposed building a new data center in Boulder City, Nevada, but the plan has faced significant backlash from local residents. Residents have started a petition opposing the data center, citing concerns over potential health and environmental impacts. The city council has approved a ballot measure for November that would allow voters to weigh in on whether data centers should be allowed in a specific land area. The developer has made some concessions in response to community input, but many residents remain unconvinced.

Why it matters

Boulder City is known for its historic connection to the Hoover Dam and its focus on renewable energy. The proposed data center represents a shift away from the city's identity, and residents are concerned about the potential negative impacts on the community's health, environment, and quality of life.

The details

The proposed 88.5-acre data center would be developed by a Houston-based company backed by a Texas-based hedge fund management firm. The company has offered to pay the city $1.46 million annually to lease the land, more than double what it would pay for a solar farm and battery storage. However, residents have raised concerns about the data center's high energy demands, potential water usage, and possible health impacts from air pollution. The developer has made some concessions, such as backing off a plan to use the city's treated wastewater for cooling, but many residents remain unconvinced.

  • The Boulder City Council approved the developer's initial lease proposal to move forward in February 2026.
  • Residents will vote on a ballot measure in November 2026 that would allow data centers in a specific land area.
  • The developer's existing lease on the land is set to expire at the end of 2026.

The players

Rick Lammers

Manager of development for the proposed Townsite Solar 2 data center project.

Brynn deLorimier

A Boulder City resident who started a petition opposing the data center project.

Joe Hardy

The mayor of Boulder City, who has said the city is being careful to attract development and revenue while ensuring the city-owned utility doesn't raise rates for residents.

Tara Davis

A Boulder City resident who has taken her children to protest against the data center project, citing concerns over potential health impacts.

Cherubael Laub

A Boulder City resident who feels betrayed by Mayor Hardy, who was Laub's childhood physician, for not addressing concerns about the data center's potential health impacts.

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What they’re saying

“We like to listen to what people are telling us, especially before we start the construction. We continue to do that after projects begin operations.”

— Rick Lammers, Manager of development for Townsite Solar 2

“This city has a goal of ramming this through come hell or high water. I don't think I've ever seen them progress so fast and so aggressively on any other contract.”

— Brynn deLorimier, Boulder City resident

“I don't feel like it needs to be here, especially for my kids' future.”

— Tara Davis, Boulder City resident

“When I stand before the man who saved my life and hear him say, 'That's not something to be concerned about,' it's absolutely heartbreaking.”

— Cherubael Laub, Boulder City resident

What’s next

Voters in Boulder City will consider a ballot measure in November 2026 that would allow data centers in a specific land area. The developer's existing lease on the land is set to expire at the end of 2026, so the city council will need to decide whether to renew the lease or pursue a different project for the site.

The takeaway

The proposed data center in Boulder City has become a divisive issue, pitting the city's desire for economic development and revenue against residents' concerns over the potential health and environmental impacts. The upcoming ballot measure and the expiration of the developer's existing lease will be key moments that will shape the future of the project and the city's relationship with its residents.