Texas county pauses data center construction in rural areas for a year
Commissioners said the pause will let Hill County study traffic, water use and emergency response before approving new projects.
- On Tuesday, Hill County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a one-year pause on new data center construction in unincorporated areas, citing public safety and health concerns.
- County Judge Shane Brassell said the moratorium establishes guardrails during a regional "land rush," allowing officials time to study infrastructure impacts before approving further development.
- While residents expressed fears regarding noise and water consumption, Prime Power Inc. chief development officer Pervez Siddique argued projects bring valuable long-term tax revenue to schools and infrastructure.
- County Attorney David Holmes cautioned the decision invites potential lawsuits from developers, though commissioners left the door open for specific project waivers if safety requirements are met.
- Similar moratoriums in counties like Hood and Hays reflect a statewide battle over data center regulation, as state officials warn against challenging statutory authority regarding development bans.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Associated Press News
Texas county pauses data center construction in rural areas for a year
A rural Texas county on Tuesday approved a one-year pause on the construction of new data centers in unincorporated areas, citing public safety and public health concerns.
Why a Texas county just hit the brakes on data center development
A small Texas county has hit pause on the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom, approving a one-year moratorium on new data center and energy storage developments amid concerns over water use, public safety and quality of life, Bloomberg writes. Officials in Hill County, located south of Dallas, say the rapid influx of proposals outpaced local oversight capacity, marking a rare pushback in a state that has aggressively courted tech and A…
Hills County approved a one-year break in the construction of new data centers in unincorporated areas. The vote was three to two, according to KSAT. “Data center managers have found an ideal niche market in the state, with limited regulations, control and regulations, and grow at a dizzying pace,” said Jim Holcomb, Hill County Commissioner. “I think it’s essential that we stop the passage, analyze the situation thoroughly, investigate and condu…
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