For years, officials in Nevada have courted the tech industry as a way to diversify the state’s economy.
And now it appears, they could get their wish in the form of data centers. The facilities used to power AI and store the exponentially growing amount of digital data have sprung up across the West.
However, some are concerned that the amount of water and power they use could increase strain on drought-stricken areas. Those concerns were outlined in a report from the nonprofit Western Resource Advocates, pointing to policies it says states and utility commissions should consider to better regulate an emerging industry it warns could devastate natural resources.
Guests: Alan Halaly, environmental reporter, Las Vegas Review-Journal; Kaleb Roedel, reporter, Mountain West News Bureau for KUNR
