LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Boulder City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the city attorney to file a notice of appeal and stay with the federal government, opposing a proposed data center that was recently relocated to Bureau of Land Management-owned land near the original proposed site on Boulder City land.
The vote came after hours of public comment at a packed city council meeting, with residents and city officials expressing opposition to the Townsite Solar 2 data center proposal.
Developer moves project to federal land
Earlier this month, the developer of the proposed Townsite Solar 2 project changed plans, moving the proposed site from Boulder City property to nearby BLM land — a move the federal government approved. Boulder City’s mayor said the land remains within the city’s jurisdiction, giving the city grounds to appeal.
The project had previously faced pushback from Boulder City residents and a vote against the application by the city’s planning commission before the developer relocated the proposal.
Residents raise concerns over utilities and infrastructure
Residents said they believe the project will still affect their quality of life despite the site change.
“Even if the project is now on adjacent BLM land, the impact does not stop at a property line,” one resident said. “My biggest concern are our water supply and our electrical infrastructure.”
Another resident said, “Although the facility may be located outside of the city limits, the impacts of supplying utilities, expanding infrastructures, and supporting a project of this magnitude would directly impact Boulder City and its residents.”
Residents also said they feel the public has been removed from the decision-making process and expressed hope that the city council would challenge the federal decision.
Council and city attorney question federal process
City Councilman Steve Walton questioned the federal government’s decision to accept a prior environmental impact study conducted for a solar farm to allow construction of a data center.
“This is out of line. Absolutely ridiculous. I don’t even know how they could come to that conclusion,” Walton said.
The city attorney also raised questions about the legality of the move.
“This is a departure from previous precedent and procedure as the BLM essentially sweepingly approved a new land use without following processes in federal law, which include a meaningful engagement process with the City of Boulder City,” the city attorney said. “The City of Boulder City has a right to appeal this decision.”
City officials noted that although the proposed site is on BLM-owned land, it falls within Boulder City’s geographical boundary, meaning Boulder City police, fire, water, and public roadways would be utilized if the data center is built.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
