San Antonio councilmembers seek temporary moratorium on new data centers
San Antonio City Council members are proposing a temporary moratorium on new data center development due to concerns over resource strain, environmental impact, and community issues. Homeowners are actively resisting two ongoing data center projects on the far west side, prompting a special council meeting for public input.
Several members of the San Antonio City Council are calling for a temporary moratorium on new data center development in the city, citing concerns about the strain on local resources and environmental impact. District 6 Councilman Rick Galvan emphasized that "zoning and land use codes should benefit working-class residents of San Antonio, not tech billionaires."
The move comes amid growing statewide skepticism in Texas regarding data centers' benefits, particularly concerning water use, land use, noise, and pollution. Governor Abbott has ordered audits to halt new data center approvals until agencies verify community impact details. While proponents argue data centers can provide their own power to the grid, lowering electricity costs, and are required to reuse water, opposition focuses on localized impacts.
Two data centers currently under construction on San Antonio's far west side are facing resistance from homeowners. Residents are concerned that these centers are building natural gas power plants and setting up dozens of diesel generators near neighborhoods. The San Antonio Greater Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jeff Webster, expressed support for data centers, provided there aren't too many and they contribute to the local economy with high-paying jobs. A special council meeting is scheduled later this month to allow residents to voice their concerns.