A look at the Texas counties pushing back against data centers
Several Texas counties are implementing or considering moratoriums on data center construction due to concerns over water and power usage. Hill County has enacted a one-year moratorium, becoming the first in the state to do so, while facing potential legal challenges. Somervell County passed a resolution opposing data center development until state legislative action, and Hays County will reconsider a tabled moratorium proposal in June.
Across Texas, several counties are responding to resident concerns about data center development by either considering or implementing measures to pause new construction.
Hill County, located just south of Dallas, last week became the first county in Texas to enact a temporary, one-year moratorium on data center projects. This decision was driven by concerns over water consumption and energy demands, with Hill County Judge Shane Brassel stating the pause is intended to allow the county to thoroughly study these impacts. However, the newly enacted moratorium is already facing threats of legal challenges.
Elsewhere, Somervell County, a few counties away, unanimously passed a resolution opposing data center construction. Somervell County Commissioner Chip Joslin, who previously saw a moratorium proposal rejected, introduced this resolution to signal the county's stance until the state Legislature potentially addresses the issue in 2027.
In Central Texas, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra introduced a data center moratorium in February, which was subsequently tabled. After holding a "Clear Water Summit" to gather stakeholder input and expert opinions, the proposal is scheduled for reconsideration at a commissioners court meeting in June.