Tom Green County Calls for Stronger Data Center Regulation

The Tom Green County Commissioners Court in San Angelo, Texas, unanimously passed a resolution on Monday advocating for enhanced statewide regulation of data centers. The decision was prompted by mounting local concerns regarding the potential strain data centers could place on water supplies, the electric grid, and local infrastructure. The nonbinding resolution, which supports responsible economic development but opposes high-volume potable water use in water-constrained areas, calls on the Texas Legislature and Governor Greg Abbott to enact several measures. These include requiring greater transparency on projected electricity and water demands from data centers, mandating independent impact studies, and granting counties more regulatory authority over large-scale industrial projects in unincorporated regions. This county action follows a wave of constituent opposition, particularly in Precinct 4, to a potential "Dove Creek Technology Campus" project proposed by Beacon Data Centers. A community meeting held last Thursday saw over 500 attendees overwhelmingly voice their disapproval of the project. Precinct 4 Commissioner Shawn Nanny, who has been "inundated" with communications from residents, emphasized the need for proactive measures. County Judge Lane Carter highlighted the county's current lack of regulatory power compared to municipalities, noting the resolution's purpose is to elevate local concerns to state lawmakers. The resolution is similar to one passed by the Johnson County Commissioners Court and highlights risks to the ERCOT grid and regional water availability.