Morris County commissioners adopt resolution on data center regulation
Morris County, Texas, has adopted a resolution urging state officials to implement stricter oversight of data centers, citing concerns about their impact on the electric grid, water supplies, and local infrastructure. The resolution calls for developers to disclose resource usage, undergo independent impact reviews, and adopt water-efficient cooling practices. It also advocates for counties to have a greater role in planning decisions.
Morris County, Texas, officials, led by County Judge Doug Reeder, unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday calling for enhanced state-level regulation of data centers and large-scale computing facilities. The resolution, announced online by Reeder on Tuesday evening, emphasizes balancing economic development with sustainable growth.
The Commissioners Court urged the Governor, the Texas Legislature, the Public Utility Commission, and ERCOT to mandate that data center developers disclose projected power and water usage, undergo independent impact reviews, and implement water-efficient cooling methods. The resolution highlights concerns that these facilities strain the electric grid, regional water supplies, county roads, and emergency services. Additionally, it advocates for counties to play a more significant role in local planning decisions concerning infrastructure and resources. Reeder stated that this action marks "the first step in protecting our natural resources and our way of life."