Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order Monday morning placing regulations on data center projects in the state.
The order will ban developers of data centers from receiving tax incentives, create a data center taskforce, and protect natural resources. The action follows multiple counties in the state placing moratoriums on data center developments.
Nebraska Public Media reported that Pillen praised the benefits of data centers and artificial intelligence. However, he argued developers should provide benefits such as jobs rather than taking from the state through tax programs.
Additionally, the order instructs state departments to work together when reviewing data center submissions to ensure they meet state needs.
Furthermore, a taskforce will provide Nebraska lawmakers with recommendations that protect the state’s natural resources from excessive use.
According to the Data Center Map, there are approximately 37 data centers in Nebraska.
