LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Governor Joe Lombardo responded to Congresswoman Dina Titus’ letter regarding the proposed data center project in Boulder City, emphasizing the importance of meeting with stakeholders and taking a responsible, fact-based approach to the issue.
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Abatement cannot transfer, Lombardo says
Lombardo’s letter clarified the treatment of the Renewable Energy Tax Abatement (RETA) previously approved for Townsite Solar II, LLC. That abatement was approved for a solar generation and storage project in Boulder City and cannot simply be transferred to the proposed data center. State law also prohibits a project from receiving a data center abatement in conjunction with a RETA.
“Since the RETA in question, which was approved in 2024 by the Governor’s Office of Energy, is for a solar generation and storage project on land leased from Boulder City, it would not be transferable to a data center,” Lombardo wrote.
Nevada’s abatement processes include public reporting, opportunities for public input, and accountability requirements tied to jobs, investment, and other economic benefits. Projects must meet those requirements to maintain eligibility, with clawback provisions available when they fail to comply.
Governor’s office engaging with stakeholders
Beyond the questions surrounding abatements, the Governor’s Office has been engaging with stakeholders to better understand the proposed project and the concerns surrounding data center development, including issues related to water, power, noise, economic development and land use.
“As trusted public officials, we must engage on a meaningful level with all sides of matters, such as this, and ensure that public discourse, no matter how well-intended, does not allow for the proliferation and dissemination of misinformation,” Lombardo wrote.
Lombardo also said the broader questions surrounding data center development on federal land require careful consideration of both state and federal law, as well as the economic and community impacts of future projects.
Lombardo will continue engaging with local officials, project proponents, community stakeholders and other interested parties as his administration evaluates the issues surrounding the proposed Boulder City project and the broader future of data center development in Nevada.
The full letter can be found here.
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