Hays County passes resolution pausing high-water use development reviews, including data centers
Hays County commissioners passed an industrial high-water resolution pausing reviews and approvals of high-water use and large-scale operations, including data centers, in unincorporated areas until the end of the year. This action comes amidst growing community concerns over water use and data center development.
Hays County, Texas, commissioners have enacted a robust industrial high-water resolution, placing an emergency pause on the review, processing, and approval of high-water use and large-scale operations, including data centers, within unincorporated parts of the county. The resolution, passed on Tuesday, extends through the end of the year, a longer period than the originally proposed 180-day pause.
This measure is a direct response to escalating community concerns regarding water usage by data centers and other intensive developments. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a statement expressing hope that this action would serve as a model for other Texas communities to protect their water resources. The county also plans to establish a high-water demand development review board to further address these issues as Texas lawmakers begin to scrutinize the industry more closely.