North Texas communities push back on the data center boom as Texas leads the nation in construction
North Texas communities are pushing back against the region's data center boom, with specific actions taken in multiple counties. This includes a project approval despite protests in Red Oak (Ellis County), an enacted moratorium in Hill County, and Somerville County's request to state leaders for a pause on new data center applications, driven by concerns over water resources and environmental impact.
Texas is experiencing a significant data center boom, leading the nation with 142 projects under construction. However, communities in North Texas are voicing strong opposition, leading to various outcomes across different counties.
Brian Crawford, a ranch owner on the Somerville-Hood County line, expressed concern about the proposed 2,600-acre Comanche Circle data center project, fearing irreversible environmental and peace disruptions. Sailfish Investors, the company behind the project, stated it would bring $60 billion in private investment to Hood County and provide a crucial tax base for a new junior high school.
Meanwhile, the Red Oak City Council in Ellis County approved an 800-acre data center site despite public protests. In contrast, Hill County leaders took a different approach, becoming the first in Texas to issue a moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas, citing public safety and health concerns. Joanne Carcamo highlighted worries about potential strain on water resources, including the Piloxi River and Dinosaur Valley State Park, and hoped for broader public involvement.
Somerville County has also engaged by voting to send a resolution and letter to state leaders in Austin, requesting a pause on new data center applications statewide.