Lubbock group submits petition seeking moratorium on AI data centers
The group "Save Lubbock" submitted a petition with over 3,000 signatures to the Lubbock City Secretary's Office, advocating for an 18-month moratorium on large AI data centers within city limits. The petition's validity will be verified, after which it will be presented to the City Council for consideration, with the possibility of going to voters in November if rejected by the council.
The group "Save Lubbock" has submitted a petition to the Lubbock City Secretary's Office, seeking an 18-month moratorium on large AI data centers within city limits. Organizer Steven Sanders confirmed the group surpassed the necessary 2,410 signatures, gathering over 3,000 through grassroots efforts across town. Sanders emphasized the petition represents a rare unity between Democrats and Republicans in the area, all working to protect the city.
Save Lubbock is primarily concerned with protecting the city's resources and alleges a lack of transparency from the city regarding data center developments, claiming previous public feedback efforts were not made in good faith. The petition now enters a process where the City Secretary must confirm each signature belongs to a registered Lubbock voter. If validated, the measure will be brought before the City Council members at their next regular meeting.
Should the City Council vote down the moratorium, the measure could head to voters in November. The exact timing for an election would depend on the language agreement and placement on the next available general election ballot. Save Lubbock views this action as the start of a new era, believing it will empower residents to see their voices matter.