San Marcos City Council bans data centers — against mayor’s wishes
The San Marcos City Council voted to prohibit data centers within city limits, overriding Mayor Jane Hughson's preference for conditional use. The decision followed increasing public pushback regarding concerns over infrastructure, natural resources, water usage, and noise. Previously, the council had considered stricter regulations but ultimately opted for an outright ban.
The San Marcos City Council has voted 4-3 to prohibit data centers within city limits, a decision that goes against the wishes of Mayor Jane Hughson. Mayor Hughson, who advocated for conditional use permits rather than an outright ban, cast one of the 'no' votes.
The vote follows a period of increasing public pushback from the community, citing concerns over infrastructure and natural resources, particularly water usage. The city is located in an area known for the crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos River and Springs, fed by the Edwards Aquifer. Bobby Levenski, senior staff attorney for Save Our Springs Alliance, highlighted that current water planning does not account for projected data center demands.
Prior to the ban, the council had considered an alternative proposal for stricter regulations that would have limited data centers to highly industrialized areas, barred them from using potable water, and imposed a 60-decibel noise limit. However, due to continued community disapproval, the council abandoned these proposed restrictions and reintroduced the amendment for a complete ban, which ultimately passed. San Marcos City Council Member Amanda Rodriguez noted the community's constant disapproval and the city's need to be selective about allowed developments due to resource and infrastructure limitations.