Gov. Pillen Announces Appointments to the Newly Created Data Center Task Force

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of 17 members to the state’s newly created Data Center Task Force. Authorized by the Governor’s executive order (EO 26-17) and overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy (DWEE), this group will help evaluate the impact of data centers on Nebraska’s water resources, power grids and local infrastructure.

“This task force has a significant undertaking, but its work is critical to considering future data center development,” said Gov. Pillen. “Data centers are a booming industry, yet we need to protect our most valuable resources. The members of this group bring the knowledge of each of their respective industries. Together, they will ensure that we are making solid decisions when it comes to balancing data center development with the continued preservation of our land, electricity and water.” 

In addition to evaluating impacts the group will work to ensure that county officials have the necessary tools, zoning guidelines, and policy frameworks to manage data center growth effectively.  It is anticipated that the task force will have its first meeting next month.

Task Force membership includes:
Mark Hewett -- president, CEO and director of Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Chris Leitner -– president and CEO of Tenaska
David Miles – president of Kiewit Infrastructure Group
Mike Miller -- broadband group leader at HDR
Tony Cotton – General (USAF, Ret), former commander US Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base
Javier Fernandez – CEO of the Omaha Public Power District
Tom Kent – president and CEO of the Nebraska Public Power District
Emeka Anyanwu – CEO of the Lincoln Electric System
Rick Nelson – general manager of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association
Micaela Wuehler – county commissioner, Lincoln County
Angi Burmeister – county commissioner, Sarpy County
Heath Mello – president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber
Kevin Stocker – commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission
Ron Kaminski – president, Building, Construction and Trades Council, NE & Southwest IA
John Winkler – general manager, Papio NRD
Dave Eichenberg – general manager, Upper Big Blue NRD
Doug Whitfield – vice president of water operations, Metropolitan Utilities District
Links to Governor Pillen’s recent actions on data centers:
https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-signs-executive-order-data-centers

https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-joins-white-house-roundtable-highlight-ratepayer-protections-and-energy-safeguards