Cass County commissioners approved new zoning rules Tuesday that limit future data centers to 15 megawatts of electricity use, a change that removes the possibility of hyperscale facilities in the county.
The board adopted Resolution No. 2026-11 while a countywide moratorium on data-center construction remains in effect. The moratorium is set to expire next August unless the county takes further action. The county has no approved data centers.
A proposed project prompted the debate
The zoning decision follows months of discussion about how large technology facilities could affect Cass County. Tenaska announced in June 2025 that it had optioned more than 1,300 acres in the county for a proposed partnership with Google to build a data center.
The resolution eliminates what the county identified as class three data centers. The change was approved as county officials continue to pause new development while the local rules are reviewed.
- Future data centers are limited to 15 megawatts of electricity use.
- Hyperscale data centers are no longer allowed under the amended zoning rules.
- The existing moratorium remains in place until next August unless extended or otherwise changed.
Electricity supply and grid planning were part of the county’s discussions. The Omaha Public Power District participated in the deliberations and said local governments have a role in land-use decisions, while public power utilities are responsible for electric service, system planning and grid reliability.
“While local governments have an important role in land-use planning, responsibility for electric service, system planning, and grid reliability rests with Nebraska’s public power utilities. We will continue to advocate for a clear distinction between those responsibilities as energy and infrastructure issues continue to evolve.”
Jeanette Freel, a Cass County native, said she and her brother, Phil Lepert, are concerned about potential effects on the environment, water access and utility bills. Freel also said residents wanted more information and safeguards as officials considered the facilities.
The county’s action establishes a lower electricity-use ceiling for data centers than the facilities commonly described as hyperscale. The decision leaves the moratorium in effect while Cass County’s restrictions govern any future proposals.
