Jefferson City Council approves anti-data center resolution
The Jefferson City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing data center development within its city limits, citing concerns about water and electricity resources. This action was influenced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott's statewide moratorium on data center connections to the electric grid. Residents and council members expressed worries about environmental impacts and the strain on local utilities.
The Jefferson City Council has unanimously approved a resolution formally opposing the development of data centers within the city limits of Jefferson, Texas. This decision was largely influenced by concerns over potential strain on local resources, particularly water and electricity, and Governor Greg Abbott's recent statewide moratorium on new data center connections to the state's electric grid.
During a public comment session, residents voiced strong opposition. James Parsons, 17, warned that data centers, drawn by the area's extensive water resources, pose a danger to local communities and ecosystems. Dina Carroll echoed these sentiments, urging the council to consider the long-term environmental disruption and resource depletion.
Alderwoman Kimberly Parsons, a proponent of the resolution, highlighted that while Governor Abbott's order specifically addressed the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, Jefferson is served by the Southwest Power Pool, suggesting a lack of similar protections. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect the city's resources before any specific data center development plans are made public. Alderman Douglas Thompson acknowledged the low probability of a data center being built due to limited property but hoped the resolution would set an example for other regional leaders.
The resolution advocates for additional studies to evaluate the comprehensive impact of data centers on utility systems, public infrastructure, public safety, tax base, economic development, environmental resources, and overall community character.