Data center critic argues new Hill County policies may be better for residents than moratorium
Hill County commissioners rescinded a data center moratorium after facing a lawsuit, but simultaneously approved new policies for future development. An advocate against data centers argues these new guidelines, which include a checklist and proclamation, may be more effective for residents than the previous moratorium. The new policies aim to provide clear rules and a consistent review process for developers, addressing issues like water demand and traffic impact.
After facing legal challenges, the Hill County commissioners have ended their moratorium on data center construction. However, Julie Waters, who leads Texans United Against Data Centers, an advocacy group, suggests that the new policies enacted by the commissioners could offer greater protection for residents than the previous ban.
The one-year data center pause was rescinded following a lawsuit filed by RCM Hill, a company that deemed the ban unconstitutional. Waters indicates that while the moratorium itself has been lifted, the county is not back to square one. She emphasizes that the newly approved checklist and proclamation for data center development provide a stronger framework, utilizing existing statutes to establish clear guidelines for developers.
These new policies aim to create a consistent review process for large projects, addressing critical concerns such as water demand and traffic impact. Waters encourages other counties in Texas to consider similar proclamations and checklists, advocating for local action while also pushing for new state legislation to regulate data center development.