Luke Peterson Lower Platte South NRD Director, Subdistrict 7

06/05/2026

There’s been a lot of conversation about the data center being constructed by Google near N. 56th and Interstate 80. I want to have the record be accurately described from the standpoint as a member of the Lower Platte South NRD.

Last Winter, perhaps last Fall, the Board agreed to forgo some easements owned by the NRD to help with the construction of said pipeline meant to carry discharge water from the data center to the wastewater treatment facility. That was a Board decision that I supported. To date, no other action has been taken on or towards the Google data center. No well-water permit has been granted because the City of Lincoln (a.k.a. The Mayor’s Office) has agreed to Google that the data center can tap into existing water supply and infrastructure for the development. The Planning Commission has been asked to mandate that the developers utilize retaining water systems (reuse pits, water siphons and other capture systems) to help offset the amount of water needed for the data center. No promises made nor even an acknowledgment that it’s a consideration.

The Lower Platte South NRD is not in the business of development nor is the arbiter of development. We’re simply the gatekeepers of groundwater and other natural resources. As a Board Member for the LPSNRD, it’s my duty to ensure that our natural resources are wisely and dutifully allocated so that future generations can enjoy and benefit from what we have been blessed with.

A Google subsidiary is funding a $10 million wastewater project in northeast Lincoln to pipe non-contact cooling water from the company’s data center to the Northeast Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be tested, dechlorinated and then discharged into Salt Creek, city officials say.

Full Story: https://www.1011now.com/2026/06/04/construction-begins-10-million-wastewater-line-transport-cooling-water-lincoln-data-center-recovery-site/

03/22/2026

It’s that time! I know you want one of these bad boys in your front yard! Come get them either at the Lancaster County Democratic Party office at 37th and O or text me at 308-408-0216 to inquire about getting one (or two).

01/28/2026

Made it official! I am back at it for 4 more years!

09/08/2025

Don’t have any skin in this game but I can share that a lot of the “misinformation” was presented to those of us who went on the most recent NARD Basin Tour this past June when we were touring the Niobrara Watershed.

Niobrara River supporters contest claims by a local official about the status of federal funding and programs for managing the river.

06/16/2025

It’s not always fun but there are moments where it can be, being your Director for “lucky subdistrict 7.”

However it is always serious business!

06/10/2025

Had a great time with the Niobrara River Basin Tour. Saw a lot of the Sandhills, the Snake River and the remnants of the Spencer Damn.

06/06/2025

Learned a new hashtag status today.

05/07/2025

I know I don’t post much on this account, I purposely choose what to say on here because it’s my official account as a local elected member of the Lower Platte South NRD.

Those who follow the NRD already know this but those who aren’t aware, this year is my first time I am a Chair of a subcommittee of the NRD. And it’s a privilege to be the Chair of the Mo-Pac Trail Connection Subcommittee because I am an advocate of the project. I could go more into detail about why, it’s a personal story, but I’ll save it for later.

Those who know and involved already are aware of the situation about the Mo-Pac trail connection, its future is uncertain thanks in large part by obstructionists on the Cass County Board of Commissioners. They may think they have the upper hand, but you reap what you sow and their actions (or lack thereof) do have consequences.

But because of the indecision of the Cass County Board of Commissioners, that’s given the Legislature the green light to make a move to claw back the state funds that was allocated for the project.

I’m asking you, to call your State Senator and ask them to balance the budget by taxing the wealthy, like Pete Ricketts. Not to balance the state budget by reneging on the Legislature’s previous promise to invest in the health and wellness of Nebraskans by promoting trails.

08/12/2024

So the next time it floods in Lincoln, and you don’t see any effort being done to help mitigate flooding-don’t blame me for sitting on my butt and doing nothing. Take up your beef with the Governor.

The Legislature’s Revenue Committee officially voted out a property tax relief plan that combined various proposals this special session.

06/11/2024

On the Nebraska Association of Natural Resources tour and today we saw the much controversial NCORPE.