Save Lubbock Founder Details Plan to Extend Data Center Moratorium
Save Lubbock founder Stephen Sanders revealed a plan to extend Lubbock's proposed 90-day data center moratorium to six months using a specific state law, and did not rule out potential litigation. The City Council previously voted to begin the process of imposing a three-month moratorium, which is still undergoing public hearings and approval. Meanwhile, the Planning and Zoning Commission is developing new regulations for data centers.
Stephen Sanders, founder of Save Lubbock, announced his intention to pursue a legal path under Texas law to extend Lubbock's proposed three-month data center moratorium to six months. Sanders, speaking on "The Wake Up Call with Benji Snead" on 92.3 The Hub, also indicated that the dispute might eventually lead to litigation.
The Lubbock City Council had previously voted 5-2 on September 22 to initiate a 90-day moratorium on certain approvals for large-scale data centers. This initial moratorium is intended to allow the city to study potential regulations concerning water, electricity, zoning, noise, and lighting. The measure still requires public hearings and a formal approval process. Save Lubbock had initially sought an 18-month moratorium, which failed to advance at the council meeting.
Sanders' new strategy involves leveraging a state law he believes allows for an additional 90-day extension beyond the initial 90-day period. He emphasized the legal basis for such an extension, suggesting that post-litigation, the moratorium could potentially last 270 days. Concurrently, Sanders will continue to engage with city leaders and the Planning and Zoning Commission, which is scheduled to review proposed changes to city definitions, land-use matrix, and specific-use standards related to large-scale data centers and power infrastructure.