San Antonio City Council members ask for temporary pause on data center construction
San Antonio City Council members are considering a temporary pause on new data center construction to develop new rules for these facilities. Councilman Rick Galvan has proposed a moratorium to address community concerns about energy and water demand, particularly on the city's Westside, which has a high concentration of data centers. This local push aligns with broader statewide concerns about data center impact.
San Antonio City Council members are pushing for a temporary halt on new data center construction within the city and Bexar County. The move comes as the exponential growth in artificial intelligence and technology increases the demand for more data centers, leading to concerns from various communities.
District 6 Councilman Rick Galvan has proposed a moratorium that would temporarily suspend the acceptance of new applications, including concept plans, site development plans, and permits, for data centers. Galvan highlighted that his Westside district already hosts the highest concentration of data centers in the area, prompting residents to voice concerns about the potential impact of further development on their neighborhoods, particularly regarding power and water demand. CPS Energy previously informed the City Council that over 50 new data centers could arrive in the San Antonio area within the next 5 to 10 years.
This local initiative mirrors a broader trend across Texas, where communities are expressing worries about data center infrastructure. State lawmakers recently imposed a pause on data center construction until an audit is completed. Governor Greg Abbott commented that tech companies