LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed 17 members to Nebraska’s newly created Data Center Task Force, which will examine how the rapid growth of large-scale data centers affects the state’s electricity supply, water resources and local infrastructure. The task force was established through a July executive order that also ended state taxpayer subsidies for large data centers. Its work will include developing zoning guidance and policy recommendations to help local governments manage future projects while protecting Nebraska’s resources.

The task force brings together leaders from the energy, utilities, construction, government and economic development sectors, including representatives from Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Tenaska, Kiewit, OPPD, NPPD, Lincoln Electric System, the Nebraska Public Service Commission and county governments. Overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy, the group is expected to hold its first meeting in September. Pillen said the goal is to balance the economic opportunities created by data centers with the need to protect Nebraska’s land, electricity and water.

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