County commissioners set for special session concerning possible data center

Hunt County commissioners are scheduled to hold a special session next week to hear from Core Scientific officials regarding a proposed large-scale data center campus. This meeting follows earlier reports that Core Scientific acquired a 265-acre site in Hunt County for a project that could require up to 430 megawatts of power to support artificial intelligence and high-performance computing operations. Precinct 3 Commissioner Garry Smith indicated that Core Scientific had not communicated with county officials prior to or since the land acquisition, which raised questions among local leaders. The county is also actively tracking other potential data center proposals, including one in the Wieland area and another north of Quinlan. Residents of Hunt County have expressed significant concerns about the potential effects of large data centers on local water supplies, power infrastructure, noise levels, and overall quality of life. These local debates mirror national discussions on the accelerating expansion of data centers and their resource demands. Commissioner Smith acknowledged the limited authority of Texas counties, including Hunt County, to regulate development in unincorporated areas, and stated that commissioners share the community's concerns. County leaders plan to use the upcoming meeting to begin formal discussions on identifying all data center activity, evaluating regulatory authority, and improving public communication. They are also seeking guidance from state lawmakers to establish clearer rules for managing such developments.