Federal Approval of AI Data Center Near Lake Mead Raises Environmental Concerns
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved the construction of an AI data center by Townsite Solar 2 (TS2) on public land near Lake Mead, Nevada. This decision, made in June, aligns with a 2025 executive order from President Trump to expedite data center approvals. The proposed 86-acre facility is located near Boulder City, a region experiencing severe drought, with Lake Mead's water levels at historic lows. U.S. Representative Dina Titus, whose district includes Boulder City, has expressed concerns about the project's impact on public lands and water resources. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, have filed an appeal against the BLM's decision, citing potential environmental impacts and insufficient public consultation.