Letters to the Editor: 1000 megawatt Data Center on 240 acres

Received at Pizen Switch Times on November 11, 2025
From Richard and Romallie Wolf of Yerington, Nevada

This article is pertinent to the City Council of Yerington as they are considering approval of the 1000 megawatt Data Center on 240 acres and 265 acres north of town at 155 Penrose.  This article shows what a data center looks like on 85 acres.  It also illustrates in words the problem with Data Centers.  Upgraded transmission lines, and transformers.  The need for water, which cannot be recycled.  Also ends up being a realignment of all Customers Rates due to the increased usage of Electrical power and energy, which one site can only provide so much.  This site in Atlanta is also 2 stories to save on the initial footprint, and the end result being able to add more battery storage, and the resulting Carbon Emissions.

Our local level enthusiasm is mixed, thinking there will be jobs, increased property values, money going to schools and parks and local business’.  

Copia Power Device is considering a 1000 megawatt data center of 14 buildings across the two adjacent parcels.  It consumes, it grows, it uses resources.  It doesn’t kill you, but it doesn’t make the community healthy either.  It does not require Security and can use reclaimed waste water, but will not be recycled.  Carbon emissions is a concern as these data centers create 48%higher than the National Average.  This site will blur the lines of light industrial vs. agriculture and housing.  There should be separate rate payers from the Data Center as this is inherently problematic blurring the lines of transmission with NV Energy between a Data Center and homeowners.

https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/inside-microsofts-new-ai-super-factory-3144d211?mod=hp_lista_pos1

End of Letter

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Editor’s note: The proposed Data Center lies in the jurisdiction of Lyon County, it’s Planning Commission Board, and ultimately the Board of County Commissioner.

If Wall Street Journal paywall/sign-in keeps you from reading the article, here is a summary: