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

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Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

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

LINCOLN, NE - Today, 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:

Gov Pillen Signs Executive Order Data Centers

Gov Pillen Joins White House Roundtable Highlight Ratepayer Protections and Energy Safeguards