SAN ANTONIO – City Council members are calling for a temporary halt to new data center development in the city as leaders push to put stronger rules in place for an industry they say can strain local resources.
District 6 Councilmember Ric Galvan, joined by District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez and District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo, filed a three-signature memo seeking a temporary moratorium on all data center development within San Antonio city limits, according to a press release from City Council District 6 dated Aug. 7, 2026.
The memo calls for temporarily pausing the acceptance of applications for concept plans, site development plans and permits, as well as the issuance of site permits, for data centers and office data processing and management facilities as defined by the City of San Antonio Unified Development Code.
“As we continue to progress on my Council Consideration Request (CCR), and the state begins to weigh its role in data center development, I’m requesting a moratorium to allow us to finish the work we’ve started and adopt thoughtful regulations before additional facilities are approved,” Galvan said.
Castillo said District 5 is concerned about the impact of the facilities on infrastructure and nearby neighborhoods.
“District 5 recognizes the significant concerns these facilities present,” Castillo said. “Data centers are resource-intensive, placing substantial demands on our electric grid and water supply, and can impact the quality of life for nearby residents, including surrounding wildlife.”
The request builds on the city’s ongoing work to establish local standards for data center development, including regulations addressing water use, energy demand, noise, compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and long-term infrastructure impacts, the release said.
Galvan was also joined by Sen. Jose Menendez in calling for state legislation to establish statewide standards for data center development and to ensure communities across Texas have tools to protect local resources, according to the release.
Galvan also thanked community organizations that attended the announcement in support of stronger data center protections.
“Thank you to the many organizations that stood with us today in support of responsible data center development and stronger protections for our communities,” Galvan said. “Your advocacy and partnership have helped elevate this issue and ensure that the voices of residents remain at the center of this conversation.”
Organizations listed as attending included Public Citizen, Society of Native Nations, EcoSA, Sierra Club, Southwest Workers Union, Climate Justice San Antonio, San Antonio Alliance for Teachers and Support Personnel, Communications Workers of America Local 6143, San Antonio DSA and 50501 SATX.