San Antonio city leaders seek input from residents on future of data center regulations

San Antonio city leaders are actively soliciting public feedback to establish new regulations for data centers within the city. Council member Rick Galvan of District 6, which hosts the largest concentration of data centers in San Antonio, is particularly keen to hear directly from residents. Galvan initiated a policy discussion in October, highlighting concerns over the industry's long-term effects on the electric grid, water supply, and local neighborhoods. Research cited indicates that an average mid-size data center consumes water equivalent to 1,000 homes daily, with projected yearly water usage potentially reaching nearly 400 billion gallons by 2030. This regulatory process was prompted by residents who initially voiced concerns about rapid data center construction and their connection to local job opportunities. The city plans to form a working group to develop final recommendations for these evolving standards, aiming to ensure resident concerns are adequately addressed. Council member Galvan encourages constituents to contact his District 6 office directly to provide input.