The Texas hedge fund that’s behind the first data center proposed to be built on public land outside of Boulder City created a PAC and seems to be disguising itself as a local advocacy group—and residents are outraged.
The PAC, called Boulder City Forward Alliance, sent mailers to Boulder City residents to tell locals the data center, proposed on Bureau of Land Management land, will reduce energy costs, and that the developer will provide its own power.
According to state filings, the PAC initiated registration on July 13, with the intent to “advocate for issues affecting Boulder City, and all other lawful purposes.”
The mailer directs residents to its website where locals can learn about “myths vs. facts” regarding the development and how the data center can benefit the community.
The website also warns residents that if locals continue to oppose the development, then it will “increase the likelihood that similar facilities will be built just outside city limits without providing any benefits to residents.”
Boulder City residents, however, told The Nevadan they don’t see how a data center could benefit the historic town given already strained resources.
The website reads “The Boulder City Forward Alliance backs the TS2 Data Center because the project has the ability to improve the city’s long‑term financial stability, help maintain the services residents rely on, and keep Boulder City in control of its future.”
At first glance it’s not obvious the committee is funded by Skyler Capital Management hedge fund, the company behind Townsite Solar 2’s (TS2) data center development.
“It’s outrageous they call themselves Boulder City Forward Alliance, making it sound like it’s a group of people in Boulder City,” Boulder City resident Janelle Sorenson told The Nevadan in an interview. “That name, I think, is deliberately meant to confuse people.”
Sorenson received the mailer Oct. 8. She fears that because of the name, residents may think the PAC is led by Boulder City residents.
“They must think that we’re not very smart, that we’re not going to figure this stuff out,” Sorenson continued.
The mailers come as the developer is in a legal battle with Boulder City and several advocacy groups. The development has stalled due to an administrative judge from the Department of Interior ordering a stay on the project.
TS2 must complete a comprehensive environmental study to ensure the artificial intelligence data center can safely operate in the proposed location.
Boulder City residents have mobilized to fight against the development, and their fight continues as the developers aren’t backing down, despite local and national outcry.
“It would establish a precedent with the whole country,” Sorenson said. “If we let them get their foot in the door here, all that federal land around the country is gonna be in danger of being covered with data centers. That’s why I feel like we’ve got to hold the line here.”
Skyler Capital Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
