Clay County commissioners pass resolution opposing data centers
Clay County commissioners passed a resolution opposing data centers that use high volumes of natural resources, particularly for cooling systems. Judge Mike Campbell cited concerns over water and electricity usage, light pollution, and road degradation. The resolution serves as a stance for the community and a message to the Texas legislature to implement comprehensive safeguards.
Clay County commissioners in Texas have formally passed a resolution opposing certain types of data centers, specifically those utilizing high-volume potable water-consuming technologies like open-loop evaporative cooling systems. Clay County Judge Mike Campbell stated the county is not against progress but insists development must be managed, meaningful, and protective of rural residents. The resolution also opposes any data center development failing to incorporate adequate safeguards for county resources and residents.
The resolution is intended to communicate the county's stance to its community and to the Texas legislature, urging for comprehensive, enforceable safeguards statewide. These safeguards should address electric grid reliability and cost burdens on ratepayers, ensure responsible and transparent water use, protect agricultural lands and wildlife habitats, prevent degradation of public infrastructure, and safeguard community welfare.
Judge Campbell emphasized that Texas counties currently have limited control over private property development, unlike cities, and cannot create ordinances to regulate data centers directly. He noted that the county's current approach is to oppose developments that don't bring their own electricity generation or agree to mitigation for road use, light, sound, and water/electrical usage. As of now, no companies have expressed interest in building data centers in Clay County. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to state officials including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, State Representative James Frank, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.