By Allison Peck
Concerns over the potential development of large-scale data centers in Lincoln County returned to the forefront Monday as residents again urged county commissioners to slow the process and allow additional time for public research before moving forward.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, rancher Carrie Fischer told commissioners she has spent recent weeks researching data centers after first becoming aware of the issue through previous county meetings. She said many residents are still trying to understand the potential impacts and questioned whether the county is moving too quickly.
"I don't know why we're really at this point yet why we can't take a moratorium to do more research," Fischer said. "This is life-changing. Not just for me, maybe, but for our kids and our grandkids."
Fischer said her research has focused on reported impacts in communities across the country, including concerns involving water use, groundwater quality, wastewater disposal, air quality, noise and potential effects on nearby agricultural operations. She referenced lawsuits involving data centers in multiple states and said she has been contacting public utilities and communities to verify information before presenting it to county officials.
Among the examples Fischer cited were reports from Wisconsin involving alleged water contamination near a data center, wastewater concerns in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and reports from Texas that she said she is continuing to investigate. She emphasized that she is attempting to verify information through public agencies rather than relying solely on internet sources.
Fischer also questioned how future facilities would be monitored if constructed in Lincoln County.
"What regulations, what compliance, non-compliance issues? Is there going to be an independent watchdog? Who's going to make sure" facilities comply with environmental standards, Fischer asked, adding that many questions remain unanswered about potential locations and long-term oversight.
As a rancher, Fischer said protecting the county's natural resources remains her primary concern.
"We use the aquifer. It's our lifeline," she said. "It's our duty to be good stewards and save it, not shrink it down anymore because we know it depletes way faster than it replenishes."
She concluded by asking commissioners to approve a temporary moratorium to allow additional research and greater public participation before any decisions are made regarding future data center development.
Following her remarks, commissioners asked Fischer to provide digital copies of the research materials she referenced so they could review the information. Fischer agreed, noting she had gathered a variety of articles and legal filings but hoped to continue expanding her research.
No action was taken during Monday's meeting, as the discussion occurred during the public comment portion of the agenda. The county is expected to revisit the topic of a potential data center moratorium at a future meeting as officials continue considering zoning regulations and development policies related to the emerging industry.