On Tuesday night, Boulder City voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot question that would have classified data center facilities as an approved land use within the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area, an area outside the Multi‑species Habitat Conservation Easement. The final tally showed roughly 71 % voting “No” and 29 % voting “Yes,” according to the latest official results.
Local opposition rooted in preservation and resource stewardship
Opponents of the measure argued that large‑scale data centers do not belong in a historic Nevada town. “Forget about the environmental effects that we do not want, it just does not fit in a historic town like this,” said Boulder City resident Branden Smith.
Smith and fellow resident Brynn Delorimier have been active in blocking two separate data‑center projects. One site was halted earlier this year after a City Council decision banned its use. The second site, located in the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area, was defeated by the voters in this election.
“The revenue that it is supposed to generate is just not worth the return of the environmental effects that they deliver,” Smith added.
Grassroots organizing drives the outcome
Delorimier described the community’s response as a grassroots effort. “This is a small community. We stick together,” she said, noting that volunteers produced more than 550 yard signs to spread the message.
She explained the strategy: “We started making signs. I made a template that I can use for spray paint, and somebody kindly offered to donate a bunch of blank yard signs. So we just started spray painting yard signs, all the same motif, some different color schemes, 550 of them all over Boulder City.”
Future sites remain under watch
Opponents warned that developers may target other locations, including a parcel of Bureau of Land Management land near Boulder City. Smith said residents will continue to monitor and block any future attempts.
“Even still, there are not a lot of people that understand that it is actually three distinctly different areas that are at play here,” he said.
When asked about possible compromises, Delorimier replied, “Our answer to them, ‘what it would take?’ was a one‑state buffer. So I would say we are pretty uncompromising on that.”
Local business owners echo concerns
Tara Bertoli, owner of the historic Boulder City Co. Store, voted against the measure and warned that data centers would strain local resources. “We do not need to deplete our energy or our resources to feed people’s pockets,” she said.
“I am glad that our town is sticking together. We are a unique community in Nevada and we want to stay that way,” Bertoli added.
Industry perspective
Political strategist Tal Eslick noted that data‑center developers are finding it difficult to make their case in small towns like Boulder City, citing concerns about disruptions to the local economy, health impacts, and environmental issues. “If we cannot do it here, then where in the world do you think you are going to be able to do it?” he asked.
Eslick also criticized the developers’ outreach tactics, suggesting they have not effectively communicated the benefits of their projects.
Looking ahead
Bertoli said she will continue to oppose any future data‑center proposals that appear on the ballot. “Absolutely. We know too much about the negative effect it would have on our community and on our resources in the state. We are doing fine without it. And we will continue to do just fine without it,” she affirmed.
The vote reflects Boulder City’s commitment to preserving its historic character, protecting limited water and energy supplies, and maintaining the quality of life that residents cherish.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
