City council adopts resolution regarding large-scale data centers in Lubbock, starting process for potential moratorium
The Lubbock City Council has adopted a resolution to initiate a process for a potential 90-day moratorium on large-scale data centers, following advocacy from the 'Save Lubbock' group. This decision aims to provide the city time to establish new guidelines regarding water use, power reliability, zoning, noise, and lighting. If an optional extension is approved, large-scale data centers may not be considered until June 2027.
The Lubbock City Council has approved a resolution by a 5-2 vote to begin the process for a potential 90-day moratorium on large-scale data centers. This action was spurred by the 'Save Lubbock' group, with advocate Stephen Sanders working with the council to implement guardrails against unchecked data center development, despite his initial 18-month moratorium proposal being unfeasible under Texas law.
The resolution tasks city planning staff with developing new guidelines concerning water use, power reliability, zoning, noise, and lighting for future large-scale data centers. A work session is scheduled within 90 days to brief the council on potential impacts. Councilmen Tim Collins and Tim Green voted against the resolution, citing concerns about timing relative to the Texas legislative session and the potential economic benefits of data centers, respectively. Councilwoman Jennifer Wilson emphasized the need for projects to be beneficial to West Texas without compromising resources, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Mark McBrayer, who also noted ERCOT's current situation would likely deter immediate data center development in Lubbock.
If the optional 90-day moratorium extension is approved by the council, large-scale data center projects would not be considered until June 2027, allowing the city to assess the situation and await further guidance from state legislators.