Save Lubbock files petition for data center moratorium
The 'Save Lubbock' group submitted a petition for an 18-month moratorium on hyperscale data center development in the city, aiming to place it on the November ballot. Separately, Governor Abbott ordered a comprehensive audit of all data centers seeking to connect to the Texas power grid due to power demand concerns. The Lubbock City Council is expected to vote against the proposed moratorium.
The 'Save Lubbock' group has submitted a petition to the Lubbock city secretary's office, advocating for an 18-month moratorium on hyperscale data center development within the city. After gathering the necessary signatures over 30 days, the group aims to have the measure included as a special election item on the November ballot.
KAMC's Jen Phillips reported on the petition's submission, noting the strong community sentiment surrounding data centers. Stephen Sanders, a proponent of the measure, expressed hope for an expedited process to get it before voters on November 3rd. However, he anticipates the city council will likely vote against the moratorium, as it may not align with their previous discussions, but remains optimistic about the measure reaching the public for a vote.
In a related statewide development, Governor Abbott has mandated a comprehensive audit of all data centers intending to connect to the Texas power grid. He has instructed ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission to thoroughly review each project before allowing it to proceed. Governor Abbott cited concerns over power demand, stating that data centers failing to meet state requirements will be denied grid access, indicating increased scrutiny on the industry's energy consumption.