Data, Not Dogma: An Independent Democrat’s Vision for Nevada’s Tech Future

Verne Global Data Center – Keflavik, Iceland

Friends,

Recently, someone asked me why I did not attend the Reno data center hearings calling for a moratorium—even though, earlier this year, I requested both a temporary pause and a non-partisan, independent study on the true costs and benefits of data centers. I want to address that question directly and share why my approach is rooted in facts—not ideology.

In our rapidly evolving world, the digital backbone of our society relies increasingly on massive data centers. Yet, these facilities are often surrounded by a cloud of misinformation and unwarranted fear. It's time to step back from the rumors and examine the concrete facts about how these centers function and what they actually bring to our communities.

Why I Didn’t Attend the Reno Moratorium Hearings

The reason I did not join the most recent hearings is simple: I do not believe, based on the data, that all data centers are inherently harmful. My goal has always been to ensure that Nevada pursues policies rooted in accurate information, not political pressure. Some voices, particularly on the left, have painted all data centers with the same brush—ignoring the real progress being made toward sustainability. We need to get our facts straight and avoid false binaries. It is not a choice between no data centers and only ecologically unfriendly ones; there is a spectrum, and responsible innovation is possible.

There are, in fact, data centers that are ecologically responsible and leading the way in sustainable operations. Some of the top global examples include:

• Green Mountain (Stavanger & Telemark, Norway): Built inside a repurposed mountain, this facility uses 100% renewable hydroelectric power and cold fjord water for zero-emission cooling.

• Verne (Keflavik, Iceland): Powered entirely by local geothermal and hydroelectric energy, with free air cooling from Iceland’s naturally cool climate.

• EcoDataCenter (Falun, Sweden): Runs on 100% renewable energy and innovatively recycles server heat to power local district heating and wood pellet plants.

• Lefdal Mine Data Center (Måløy, Norway): Located in an underground mine, it relies on local renewable energy and fjord water for cooling, achieving zero net water consumption and minimal carbon output.

Closer to home, Nevada is home to an industry-leading example: the Switch Citadel Campus in Tahoe Reno, one of the world’s largest and most sustainable. Covering 7.2 million square feet and delivering up to 650 MW, it is powered entirely by renewable energy, primarily solar. The campus uses ultra-efficient cooling thanks to its strategic location. Every workload is powered by 100% green energy, every hour of every day.

These facilities minimize environmental impact through 100% renewable energy sourcing, innovative cooling methods, and circular heat recycling. Such examples prove that data centers can be part of a sustainable future.

Many anxieties surrounding data centers stem from misconceptions about their power consumption and environmental impact. While it is true that these facilities require significant electricity, the industry is rapidly investing in energy-efficient technologies and sourcing more power from renewables. Major operators like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have committed to reaching 100% renewable energy usage in their data centers, and some are already there. The drive for efficiency has led to advanced cooling techniques—such as cold outside air, deep-sea water, or subterranean layouts—as well as heat recovery systems that provide warmth to local communities or businesses. These are not black holes of consumption; instead, they are significant drivers for the expansion of green energy infrastructure.

When designed and operated with sustainability in mind, data centers bring real and measurable benefits to our communities:

• Economic growth: Data centers create high-paying jobs and attract tech businesses to our region.

• Tax revenue: These facilities contribute substantial tax dollars that fund schools, roads, emergency services, and public infrastructure.

• Support for innovation: Data centers are the backbone for cloud computing, remote work, telemedicine, AI research, and smart infrastructure. This enables progress in fields that matter to everyday Nevadans.

• Sustainable energy investment: By demanding large amounts of renewable power, green data centers drive investment in solar, wind, and geothermal energy across Nevada and the nation.

• Community partnerships: Many data centers collaborate with local governments and nonprofits to support education, workforce training, and sustainability projects.

Beyond the energy discussion, data centers play a crucial role in our modern economy. They are the foundational infrastructure that supports everything from cloud computing and remote work to advancements in healthcare and artificial intelligence. By hosting this technology, these facilities bring high-paying jobs and substantial tax revenue to the regions where they are located, helping to fund local schools, roads, and public services.

This is why I ran for Congress as an independent Democrat in 2026 and why I will run in 2028: I don’t succumb to ideology. I look at the data, review the research, and draw independent conclusions in the best interest of our community. Both our economy and our environment matter. It is possible to advance both with smart, well-regulated growth.

It is essential that we do not let fear guide our decisions regarding this critical infrastructure. Instead, we should focus on constructive dialogue that ensures these facilities are developed responsibly, with an eye toward sustainability and community integration. We must demand that operators meet high standards, invest in renewables, and remain accountable to the communities they serve. But we should also recognize the value they bring and avoid simplistic, ideological opposition that ignores the facts.

As progressives, if we fail to look at data, facts, and research—and instead allow ourselves to be swept up by ideology or the organized animosity that has come to define our polarized politics—then we must ask ourselves: how different are we from our own family, friends, and neighbors who have been misled by the MAGA movement of Donald Trump? We owe it to our values, and to the future of Nevada, to uphold intellectual honesty and independent thinking—even when it challenges the loudest voices on our own side.

Ultimately, I remain hopeful. Nevada is a state of innovation and resilience, and our best days are ahead of us when we unite around truth, transparency, and shared progress. If we insist on rigorous debate, mutual respect, and a commitment to the facts, there is no challenge we cannot meet—or opportunity we cannot seize—together.

In Solidarity,

Gamy Enriquez, MPA

References

1. "Green Mountain Data Centers: World-Leading Sustainability," Green Mountain, 2024.

2. "Verne Global: The World’s Greenest Data Center Campus," Verne Global, 2023.

3. "EcoDataCenter: World’s Greenest Data Center," EcoDataCenter.se, 2023.

4. "Lefdal Mine Data Center: Sustainability Report," Lefdal Mine, 2023.

5. "Switch: 100% Green Data Centers in Nevada," Switch.com, 2024.

6. "Data Centers and Sustainability: How the Industry is Addressing Environmental Impact," Center for American Progress, 2023.

7. "Tech Giants Lead on Renewable Energy: Data Center Commitments Explained," Natural Resources Defense Council, 2024.

8. "EcoDataCenter: World’s Greenest Data Center," EcoDataCenter.se, 2023.

9. "Nevada’s Data Center Economy: Jobs, Tax Revenue, and Innovation," Nevada Independent, 2024.