Questions remain after city council tightens oversight of data centers with 9-2 vote
San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 to adopt rules requiring public review and council approval for new data center projects. The regulations also limit where facilities can be built, addressing concerns about water use, electricity demand and noise, while critics warn they could drive jobs and investment elsewhere.
San Antonio City Council approved new data center regulations by a 9-2 vote, requiring new projects to undergo public review and receive council approval before moving forward. The rules took effect immediately and add restrictions on where facilities may be built and the standards they must meet.
Supporters, including Councilman Ric Galvan, said the changes give residents more influence over projects that could affect neighborhoods, water supplies, electricity demand and noise levels. Critics argued the regulations could discourage development and shift jobs and investment elsewhere. Projects with existing permits may continue, but questions remain about how the new process will affect facilities already in planning.