Henderson County Commissioners Court Listens To Citizen Concerns On Data Centers

Officials in Henderson County, Texas, have taken a formal step to address the rapid expansion of data center development across rural areas, approving a resolution calling for stronger safeguards and greater state involvement. The decision followed an extended public comment period that drew more than 200 attendees, many of whom voiced concerns about how these projects could impact the character and resources of communities like Athens. County Attorney Kenneth Strawn read the resolution, which supports responsible economic development but formally opposes the use of open-loop evaporative cooling systems and other technologies that require large volumes of potable water in water-constrained regions. It also advocates for enforceable safeguards to protect infrastructure, natural resources, and local residents. Pct. 1 Commissioner Wendy Spivey clarified that the vote was not an approval or denial of any specific project, but a statement emphasizing the balance between economic development and community protection. The debate in Henderson County reflects a growing statewide issue as developers target rural parts of Texas for energy and water-intensive data centers. These facilities can consume millions of gallons of water daily and demand massive electricity loads, straining local utilities and the state’s power grid. Rural communities often lack the infrastructure to support such high-demand facilities, raising concerns about groundwater, agriculture, and residential energy costs, with critics also citing a lack of transparency in development proposals. Passed by the county commissioners, the resolution urges state lawmakers to adopt a more active role in regulating the industry, specifically by setting standards for water use, energy demand, and environmental protections. This action underscores a growing movement among rural communities seeking greater local authority over large-scale industrial development, with the outcome of these debates potentially shaping Texas's future as a technology infrastructure hub.