The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Humboldt County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Humboldt County has enacted a pause on accepting, processing, or approving new data-center applications in unincorporated areas through July 13, 2027; it excludes Winnemucca and does not ban existing operations.
Rating from Nevada statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Humboldt County.
Specific to Humboldt County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasEstablishes a temporary moratorium on new data center facilities in unincorporated Humboldt County, halting the acceptance, processing, and approval of applications and excluding areas within Winnemucca city limits.Humboldt County Bill No. 05-18-26 (2026)
What this means
The measure would temporarily stop the county from accepting, processing, or approving applications for new data centers in unincorporated Humboldt County while officials update land-use rules. It is set to expire July 13, 2027, and does not apply within Winnemucca city limits, but the pause would substantially delay new projects in the county area it covers through July 13, 2027.
Timing
- Ends
- Jul 13, 2027
The temporary moratorium applies to new data center facilities in unincorporated Humboldt County and expires on 2027-07-13. It does not apply within Winnemucca city limits. The Commission discussed possible extensions, but no extension was adopted.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Temporary moratorium through July 13, 2027, on accepting, processing, or approving applications for new data center facilities in unincorporated Humboldt County; the moratorium does not apply within Winnemucca city limits.
Sources
current law · Unincorporated areasTemporarily prohibits accepting, processing, or approving applications for new data centers in unincorporated Humboldt County through July 13, 2027.Humboldt County Ordinance Extending the Temporary Data Center Moratorium Through July 13, 2027 (2027)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would pause applications for new data centers in unincorporated Humboldt County until July 13, 2027, delaying construction and any expansion requiring a new application (“temporarily halts the acceptance, processing and approval”). It would not ban existing operations and lasts about a year, but that pause is a substantial short-term barrier to development.
Timing
- Ends
- Jul 13, 2027
The temporary moratorium applies to data center facilities in unincorporated Humboldt County and expires on 2027-07-13. The sources indicate it may end earlier if the County's Regional Master Plan and zoning ordinance are completed; the fixed date allows consideration of any state legislative changes.
People behind it
- Don Kalkoske
Humboldt County Manager who submitted and presented the proposed temporary data center moratorium for first reading, public hearing, and approval.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Temporary moratorium through July 13, 2027, on accepting, processing, or approving applications for new data center facilities in unincorporated Humboldt County; the moratorium does not apply within Winnemucca city limits. (moratorium through July 13, 2027)
Sources
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