Data centers raise questions across Bastrop County
Residents in Cedar Creek, Bastrop County, Texas, are raising concerns about water use, noise, and transparency as data center developments by companies like EdgeConneX and Pacifico Energy expand. Opposition is growing, leading to a call for a moratorium by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and a public hearing by Bastrop County commissioners on stricter tax-abatement guidelines.
Several data center projects are progressing in Cedar Creek, Bastrop County, Texas, sparking significant concerns among local residents regarding water usage, noise, and the environmental impact of development. Developer EdgeConneX is nearing completion of the first of 19 buildings across three campuses, with AI cloud company CoreWeave slated to occupy the initial facility. Separately, Pacifico Energy is pursuing a large 2,842-acre data center and on-site natural gas power project in the same area. Together, these sites encompass over 4,300 acres, leading to resident complaints about deforestation and a lack of early communication.
Local residents like Maria Bowen and Damian Ameen expressed frustration over the rapid development and insufficient transparency from developers. Brittney Hoch, president of the Coalition of Democratic Allies, voiced hopes that Bastrop County commissioners would address resident concerns by reconsidering or pausing projects. However, a Bastrop County spokesperson clarified that such decisions are beyond the county's purview, resting more with permitting and abatement approvals.
In response to the growing public outcry, more than 100 people attended a cross-partisan town hall in Bastrop. During the event, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller advocated for a moratorium on data center developments, stating, "We have got to put some guardrails around this industry, or we’re going to be in a huge train wreck." Linda Curtis, co-founder of the League of Independent Voters, organized the town hall, emphasizing the need for open government to counter local confusion and frustration. Bastrop County commissioners had planned a public hearing to consider updated, stricter tax-abatement guidelines.