Atascosa County Residents Fight Proposed Data Center
Residents in Atascosa County, Texas, are actively fighting a proposed 1500-acre "Energy Ranch" data center project by HC Capital Partners and Herrmann Family Companies. Concerns include extensive water usage, noise, air quality, and potential health impacts. Community members are urging state lawmakers to implement guidelines and are calling for a pause in development.
Residents of Atascosa County, Texas, are actively opposing a massive data center project, dubbed "Energy Ranch," planned for over 1500 acres northwest of Jourdanton. The development is spearheaded by San Antonio-based HC Capital Partners and the Herrmann Family Companies.
Community members, organized through groups like "Atascosa County Against Data Centers," voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed power-linked natural gas data center. Jacqueline and Oscar Korus highlighted worries about the immense water consumption, noise pollution, air quality degradation, and potential health impacts on residents.
Opponents are advocating for a legislative pause in the development process, urging the Governor and state legislature to convene a special session to establish comprehensive guidelines for data centers. They stressed that their opposition targets "reckless growth" rather than growth itself, emphasizing the need for baseline air quality monitors, groundwater surveys, and improved infrastructure before such a project proceeds.
The Atascosa County Judge's office indicated a limited ability to prevent data centers from purchasing land and building. A public information meeting is scheduled for July 7th at the Atascosa County Justice Center in Jourdanton to address community concerns.