FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2026

Contacts:
Laura Wickham, Regional Senior Associate | lwickham@swenergy.org | 775-450-0973
Caitlin Gatchalian, Nevada State Representative | cgatchalian@swenergy.org | 702-337-0087

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[RENO, NV] – Following today’s Reno City Council discussion and 6:1 vote advancing a temporary moratorium on new data center applications, perspectives from councilmembers, staff, labor representatives, industry stakeholders, and community members reflected the complexity of balancing economic opportunity, infrastructure planning, community impacts, and long-term growth in Northern Nevada. The temporary action begins a broader process, with the City expected to consider a longer-term moratorium framework on June 1st. The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) and council members emphasized the importance of using this time to fast-track clear standards, accountability measures, and regional coordination that can support both economic development and long-term community interests.

Nevada is currently experiencing one of the fastest data center buildouts in the country, with electricity demand in Northern Nevada expected to grow dramatically over the next decade. Today’s discussion was never about stopping growth, but about ensuring local governments have the tools and framework necessary to manage it responsibly.

“Data centers are already part of our modern economy, and they bring important economic opportunities and jobs to the region,” said Laura Wickham, Regional Senior Associate at SWEEP. “The question is whether our policies, infrastructure planning, and public transparency mechanisms are keeping pace with the scale of growth. Today’s action creates an opportunity to make sure Reno moves forward with a clear plan and strong guardrails in place.”

SWEEP noted that Nevada currently lacks a statewide framework governing large data center energy demand, infrastructure cost allocation, water use transparency, and long-term accountability measures. In the absence of state guidance, local governments are increasingly being asked to make high-impact decisions with limited tools and regional coordination.

“Communities across Nevada deserve confidence that large new energy users will be evaluated consistently and transparently,” said Caitlin Gatchalian, Nevada State Representative for SWEEP. “This is an opportunity for Reno, Sparks, Washoe County, utilities, labor, industry, and community stakeholders to work together on a balanced regional approach that provides certainty for everyone involved.”

SWEEP also acknowledged concerns raised by labor organizations and business leaders about maintaining economic competitiveness and supporting workforce opportunities.

“There does not have to be a choice between economic development and accountability,” said Courtney Fieldman, Utility Program Director at SWEEP. “Clear standards and transparent processes can strengthen projects over the long term by reducing uncertainty, protecting existing ratepayers, and ensuring infrastructure planning keeps pace with growth.”

SWEEP encouraged local and regional leaders to use this period productively by developing consistent criteria around infrastructure impacts, water and energy use, transparency, and community benefits while coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions to avoid inconsistent standards and jurisdiction-shopping.

SWEEP remains committed to serving as a technical resource as Northern Nevada continues navigating rapid data center growth.

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