A Texas community stopped a proposed data center in just 11 weeks.
A Texas community in Henderson County successfully halted a proposed data center near Cedar Creek Lake in just 11 weeks. This local victory, spearheaded by attorney Ashley Cook, contributed to Governor Greg Abbott's decision to order a temporary statewide halt on rural data center development. The article outlines a blueprint for other communities to effectively oppose such projects.
Governor Greg Abbott unexpectedly reversed his stance on making Texas a data center "epicenter," ordering a temporary halt on rural data center development until the 2027 legislative session. This decision was influenced by bipartisan opposition to the surge of new facilities.
In Henderson County, a local community, led by Dallas attorney Ashley Cook, achieved a significant victory by stopping a proposed data center project near Cedar Creek Lake in just 11 weeks. The project, planned for 1,200 acres of shoreline and pasture, faced strong opposition from residents concerned about water usage, truck traffic, noise, light pollution, and property values.
Cook, a founder of "Save Cedar Creek Lake," shared a 10-step blueprint for other communities to follow. Her strategy emphasized a two-pronged approach: a strong legal strategy involving public information requests, deed restriction analysis, and formal objections, combined with a grassroots campaign focused on building a contact list, specific calls to action, and engaging the local business community. The opposition identified key permit requirements from various entities, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Public Utility Commission, and ERCOT, highlighting how developers must secure every approval to proceed.