Data Center Signal is tracking 17 clips about Skybox data center developments across 2 states, including TX, WY.
Former Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey presented an analysis showing that data centers have no measurable negative impact on ZIP-level home values in Texas. The study compared 45 Texas ZIP codes that gained data centers with 168 similar comparison ZIP codes. Dickey also argued that data centers can benefit school districts by adding to the tax base without increasing student enrollment.
A recall effort against San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson, launched by an anti-data center group led by Richard Summers, failed to gather enough signatures. The coalition alleged a lack of transparency during negotiations to sell city-owned land to Emergent/Skybox Datacenters for a proposed 1.2-gigawatt data center. Despite this setback, the group is continuing separate recall efforts against other city council members, indicating ongoing opposition to data center development in the area.
San Angelo taxpayers face potential costs of up to $150,000 for special elections if recall petitions against Mayor Tom Thompson and Councilman Harry Thomas succeed. These recall efforts, led by the San Angelo Data Center Citizen Coalition, stem from concerns about transparency surrounding a data center project and city handling of related land-use regulations. City officials defend their actions, citing the need for economic development and having already enacted specific data center regulations.
ERCOT has approved the 'Batch Zero' framework, a new system for large-load interconnection studies, which could accelerate some data center projects in Texas. In Tom Green County, this framework may favor Cipher Digital's Colchis project, which is located outside city limits and faces less opposition, potentially over the Skybox/Emergent proposal. This situation highlights the limited regulatory control San Angelo's city government would have over projects in unincorporated areas.
An executive from Skybox highlighted the benefits of a data center project for Wichita County, Texas. This announcement suggests the company is emphasizing the positive impact of its development within the county.
The Cheyenne City Council postponed a decision on annexing over 1,200 acres for a proposed data center, following extensive public opposition regarding concerns like traffic, water usage, and electricity demand. The William S. Cox Foundation intends to sell the land to ViaWest Group and Skybox for development, which requires annexation and rezoning. The council will revisit the proposal in September.
The Emergent/Skybox data center project in San Angelo, Texas, is set to qualify for a state sales and use tax exemption established by House Bill 1223. This incentive aims to drive data center investment in Texas, which is reviewing the program's long-term impacts. Local property tax breaks are not currently offered, but the City of San Angelo is negotiating a Chapter 380 agreement with the developers for additional incentives.
The City of San Angelo provided data on its top water customers, with a proposed Skybox data center projected to use 5.475 million gallons annually, placing it outside the current top 25 users. City officials consider the data center's water consumption negligible compared to the city's overall usage, which is currently in a strong supply position.
Hundreds of San Angelo residents attended a City Council meeting to discuss a proposed data center development by Skybox. Over 300 concerned citizens packed the venue, with thirty people offering public comments during the several-hour session. Mayor Thompson and Skybox representatives answered questions, noting that several steps remain before the project can proceed.
A special San Angelo City Council meeting was held to discuss a proposed data center on the city's north side. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about traffic, housing, water consumption, and grid reliability. The developer, Skybox, presented information alongside city officials.
San Angelo is holding a special city meeting on April 22nd to discuss the proposed Skybox/Emergent data center, inviting community input. The San Angelo City Council had previously approved the rezoning of 350 acres for this project despite public concerns. The meeting aims to address common questions from residents.
The article details the rising and sometimes violent opposition to data centers across the U.S., driven by distrust of Big Tech and concerns over AI. Communities are worried about impacts on electricity rates, water resources, views, and property values. Experts note a coordinated national campaign against data centers, leading to actions like a moratorium in Maine and specific project challenges in places like Round Rock, Texas.
Texas lawmakers held a hearing to discuss the state's growing data center industry, projected to become the country's largest hub for data centers. Discussions focused on ensuring grid capacity with ERCOT and promoting water efficiency with companies like Skybox. More meetings are planned to address the future of data centers in Texas.
Texas is experiencing a boom in AI and data center construction, leading to concerns about the significant water volume required for these facilities. Data centers utilize water both directly for cooling high-performance servers via evaporation, and indirectly for electricity generation and material manufacturing.
The Round Rock City Council unanimously approved the rezoning for Skybox to build a new data center near Old Settlers Boulevard and A.W. Grimes. This was approved after hours of heated debate on the issue.
The Round Rock City Council approved a rezoning ordinance to allow for the creation of a new Skybox data center near Old Settlers Boulevard and North A.W. Grimes Boulevard.
The Round Rock City Council approved a 29-acre rezoning for a Skybox data center near Chandler Creek after hours of public comment.