Bastrop County residents challenge TCEQ data center permits as officials table request for more authority
Residents in Bastrop County, Texas, are challenging two state construction stormwater permits for a proposed 2,842-acre data center and power development by Black Chamber Partners and Pacifico Energy in Cedar Creek. Concurrently, Bastrop County commissioners have tabled a resolution seeking expanded authority over large-scale industrial projects from the Texas Legislature, prompting concerns from advocates about the county's regulatory power.
Bastrop County residents, including Jamey and Julie Jenkins and Jereme and Katie Lewis, have filed motions with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to overturn two construction stormwater permits. These permits are associated with a proposed 2,842-acre data center and Pacifico Energy power development in Cedar Creek, specifically the 304-acre BCG Cedar Creek Campus, an initiative by Black Chamber Partners, an affiliate of hyperscale data center developer BlackChamber Group.
The residents expressed concerns regarding drainage, hydrology, and stormwater runoff, arguing that the permits allow extensive land changes before adjacent landowners can review final drainage plans. The TCEQ has not yet issued a ruling on these challenges. Meanwhile, Bastrop County Commissioners recently tabled a resolution that aimed to acknowledge the county's limited regulatory authority and request expanded powers from the Texas Legislature for large-scale industrial projects like data centers. Michele Gangnes, co-founder of the League of Independent Voters of Texas, urged caution, warning that declaring limited authority could weaken the county's position in future projects and potentially invite litigation. County Judge Gregory Klaus has previously noted the county's limited authority when projects meet existing legal requirements. The tabled resolution is set to be revisited at an upcoming meeting.
Separately, EdgeConneX is developing three data center campuses approximately seven miles away, with AI cloud company CoreWeave expected to occupy the first $440 million building, slated to open soon. The construction period for the Black Chamber permit is estimated from September 1, 2026, to October 1, 2028.