Boulder City Residents Push Back on Proposed AI Data Center

Developers hold first public meeting, face skepticism from community over environmental and economic impacts.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:42am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic data center server rack, with intricate hardware components illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the technological nature of the proposed AI facility.As Boulder City residents voice concerns over the environmental and economic impacts of a proposed AI data center, the developer's vision for a cutting-edge, high-tech facility remains a source of debate.Las Vegas Today

Dozens of Boulder City residents attended the first public meeting held by the developer of the proposed Townsite Solar 2 (TS2) AI data center project, voicing concerns over the environmental impact and potential effects on the city's power and water costs. The developer, Skylar Opportunities, claims the project will bring economic benefits, but residents remain skeptical of the company's assurances.

Why it matters

The proposed data center has sparked a debate within the Boulder City community over the balance between economic development and environmental preservation. Residents are concerned about the project's potential impact on the local ecosystem, as well as the financial burden it could place on the city and its residents.

The details

The TS2 project would be built on 88 acres of open desert and is expected to bring in $2.6 million in the first year and $1.5 million each year after that, according to the developer. It would also create 200-300 jobs during construction and 25-40 permanent jobs paying over $100,000. However, residents are skeptical of the developer's claims, with one resident, George Rhee, stating 'They say it won't use any water. It won't affect our energy costs. There's no significant heat footprint. All these things are false, in my opinion.' The developer has made some changes to the plan, such as switching to an air-cooled closed-loop system instead of using effluent water from the city, but residents remain unconvinced.

  • The first public meeting for the TS2 project was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • A Change.org petition against the project has gathered nearly 2,200 signatures since it was created two weeks ago.

The players

Skylar Opportunities

The developer of the Townsite Solar 2 (TS2) project, which is proposing to build an AI data center in Boulder City.

Richard Lammers

The manager of development for Skylar Opportunities, who spoke at the public meeting and said the company will 'listen, and we're going to adapt and try to make this project the best data center in the entire country.'

George Rhee

A Boulder City resident who expressed skepticism about the developer's claims, stating 'They say it won't use any water. It won't affect our energy costs. There's no significant heat footprint. All these things are false, in my opinion.'

Timothy Phillips

A Boulder City resident who appreciated the community meeting but would like to see an independent study to gain community trust in the project.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to listen, and we're going to adapt and try to make this project the best data center in the entire country.”

— Richard Lammers, Manager of Development, Skylar Opportunities

“They say it won't use any water. It won't affect our energy costs. There's no significant heat footprint. All these things are false, in my opinion.”

— George Rhee, Boulder City Resident

“If it goes through, it would help alleviate a lot of the concerns of the people, yay or nay.”

— Timothy Phillips, Boulder City Resident

What’s next

The developer said it will have more community feedback meetings before construction starts on the TS2 project.

The takeaway

The proposed AI data center in Boulder City has sparked a heated debate within the community, with residents expressing concerns over the project's potential environmental and economic impacts. The developer has made some concessions, but many residents remain skeptical and are calling for an independent study to evaluate the project's effects on the city.