Texas data center boom leads to resident opposition and legal challenges near municipal lines
Residents in rural Texas are increasingly protesting data center developments, citing concerns about water and power usage, noise, and light pollution. These disputes are amplified in unincorporated areas or across municipal boundaries where residents feel powerless, leading to calls for state-level regulations. Multiple lawsuits have been filed, and state officials have begun to address the issues.
Residents across Texas, particularly those living near city or county lines, are expressing growing concerns over the proliferation of data centers. Laura and Brian Crawford in Somervell and Hood Counties exemplify this, as a planned data center campus next to their property prompted them to form 'Protect the Paluxy Valley' and lobby state lawmakers for more regulatory power for counties.
The pushback extends to areas like Westlake and Keller, where a proposed data center led to a lawsuit from homeowner associations and Keller City Council against Westlake. Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick of the 342nd District Court in Tarrant County issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the project's progression and preventing the Westlake Town Council from acting on a development agreement.
Similar disputes are unfolding in Red Oak and Ellis County, where residents filed a lawsuit challenging the rezoning of an 830-acre property for industrial use. Red Oak Mayor Mark Stanfill defends the city's strategy to become a data center hub, citing economic benefits. However, residents like Lacey Hamel argue that the process lacks transparency and excludes those outside municipal jurisdictions from having a voice in decisions that impact shared resources.
These local tensions have reached state and national levels, with Gov. Greg Abbott placing data center approvals on hold for a statewide audit. Former President Donald Trump, however, countered, emphasizing the industry's economic importance. Industry representatives like Dan Diorio of the Data Center Coalition acknowledge the challenges of expansion into rural areas but urge regulation over outright bans, warning against missed economic opportunities for communities.