San Angelo council weighs data center rules as residents demand more oversight

________________________ City leaders continued discussions on Tuesday about possible rules that could govern future data centers in the area. Council heard the second reading of a proposed ordinance that would establish land-use regulations for future data center development. The proposal includes requirements related to water usage, zoning restrictions and development standards aimed at protecting residents’ quality of life. During public comment, some residents raised concerns about oversight, transparency and the potential long-term impact of future projects on the community. “Y’all are supposed to be looking out for our city,” one resident told council members. “How are we going to have enough water?” Other residents urged city leaders to pause future development discussions until additional environmental studies can be completed. “Before this council moves forward with proposed data center development, residents deserve a full understanding of the cumulative water demand, including potential drought impacts, emergency draw scenarios and long-term sustainability risks associated with these projects,” another resident said during public comment. Frustrations have grown strong enough that some residents have started a petition to recall Mayor Tom Thompson. Thompson addressed the criticism, saying his responsibility as mayor is to continue moving the city forward while applying rules consistently across industries. “I signed up as a mayor to do a job,” Thompson said. “Regardless of the noise around me, I still have to do that job.” The Mayor also defended the city’s handling of the process, saying leaders are working to treat all industries fairly and consistently. “It’s my job to move things forward, regardless of the name of the business or the industry,” Thompson said. “We have to be fair and consistent with how we treat everybody.” The next City Council special meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 27 at 8:30 a.m. DETAILS: https://ktxs.com/news/local/san-angelo-leaders-weigh-zoning-rules-for-future-data-centers-amid-residents-concerns Follow us on social media: KTXS News on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KTXSTelevision KTXS News on X https://x.com/KTXS_News KTXS News on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ktxsnews/?hl=en For more information, visit https://ktxs.com/ Have a news tip? Send it to us at news@ktxs.com #data #datacenter #infrastructure