Hello, Nevadans!

In today’s issue, we’re closing out our Server State series, diving into the spread of data centers across our great state. But that doesn’t mean we’re done talking about data centers in the least. Think of our mini-series as a starter—the full course is still headed your way.

Quick programming note: There won’t be a Friday newsletter because I’ll be in New Orleans at a conference, gathering tools to tell the stories Nevadans want to read. I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday.

Have a great rest of your week! And if you happen to have New Orleans recommendations, send them my way.

In today’s newsletter:

A newsletter-first exclusive series.

The Server State mini-series comes to a close. I learned so much, and I hope you did too. And there’s still time to share what you learned with fellow Nevadans.

I was inspired to start this series after seeing community members speak up so passionately for their neighbors at city council and county commissioner meetings, asking for more accountability around data center development. 

🔑 Key takeaways:

🟣 Nevada is already home to about 70 data centers used for a range of tech needs, from cloud and internet services to AI.

🟣  They consumed an estimated 22% of the state’s electricity generation capacity in 2024. By 2030, that could exceed 35%.

🟣  While there’s no statewide regulation, there is guidance on how large energy users work with NV Energy via its Clean Transition Tariff.

🟣 Nevada offers some of the most generous data center tax incentives in the country, attracting billions of dollars in tech investment and economic growth. 

What’s next?

There’s a balance between becoming a trailblazing state in data center development and doing so in a way that’s responsible, ethical, and conscious. Our public lands, water sources, and communities are on the line—so we can’t take our eye off the issue. 

If state, county, and city officials choose to support these developments—and so far we’ve seen Reno and Boulder City stick by their people—companies have to be held accountable, no matter how many billions of dollars they promise.

This issue is not going away, and neither are we. We will continue to share developments and keep you informed of what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Closeup of the ATT 5G logo seen on an ATT service van parked on the street. (Tada Images/Shutterstock)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Customers will be transitioned to newer services such as cellular networks or fiber options but “No customer will be left without access to phone or 911 service.”

AT&T said that it is getting rid of its copper-based networks because they are “outdated and unreliable due to aging technology, increased copper theft and disasters,” and repairs take longer compared to fiber and wireless technologies.

Some people in rural areas without reliable cell service are concerned about not having a working phone for emergencies or 911 calls. And cellular companies sometimes fail or may be targeted by cyberattacks.

Nevada also has high winds, storms, fires, and mountainous terrain. Landlines continue to work without power and under harsh conditions, unless the phone lines themselves are damaged.

“We are only upgrading customers in areas where there is reliable connectivity available from AT&T,” the company said.

Outgoing Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui unveils her public safety plan on Saturday, July 18. (Courtesy photo)

By Lizzie Ramirez

When Sandra Jauregui was first elected into the Nevada Legislature, little did she know she would lead major gun safety reform bills. Her path changed when she fell victim to the largest mass shooting in modern American history—the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in 2017—that killed 58 people and injured more than 800.

Jauregui, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, has since championed bills during multiple legislative sessions to address gun violence in the Silver State—and she hopes to continue to do so if elected come November.

Jauregui’s plan includes reforming firearm dealer licensing where, before someone is hired as a firearm dealer, there would be background checks and age requirements.

Currently, Nevada does not license firearm dealers. 

🟣 Clark County, nonprofits launch effort to ease conversion to solar. Nevada Current

“Switch Together is an organization that provides homeowners with low-cost solar power. Registration is free, and Switch Together conducts a reverse auction to secure low costs and connect customers with the qualified installer who won the bid. Homeowners will then have over a month to decide whether to accept the offer from the installer and set a date for installation.”

🟣 Nevada town battles Trump admin over data center. E&E News

“The site is believed to be the first data center approved on BLM land, but it likely won’t be the last. The administration is currently working to get more data centers installed on federal property, including Department of Energy sites and military areas. For Boulder City, that means an unpopular data center could be built within its borders, relying on city infrastructure and emergency services, but without any revenue going to city coffers. And that prospect has city officials up in arms.”

🟣 Walmart heiress explores Las Vegas NBA expansion bid. Sportico

“Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie are considering a bid for an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas, according to three people familiar with the league’s process. The Walmart heiress would bring deep pockets and a local flavor to the Vegas expansion process. She and her husband live just outside Sin City in Henderson, Nev., and are worth $17.8 billion, according to Forbes.”

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón, with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Lizzie Ramirez. It was edited by Paula Solis and Crystal Niforos.

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