A data center is seen under construction along Lambda Drive near Omicron Drive in this 2023 file photo. Data centers are not simply warehouses filled with computers. They are critical infrastructure that support healthcare, financial institutions, education, manufacturing, defense, artificial intelligence and countless businesses that rely on secure digital services every day, our guest columnist writes.
San Antonio Express-News file photo
District 6 City Council Member Ric Galvan speaks at a press conference calling for a temporary moratorium on new data center development applications at City Hall. The focus should be on developing clear, thoughtful, science-based standards that protect our natural resources while allowing responsible projects to move forward, our guest columnist writes.
Blaine Young/For the San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio must have a thoughtful conversation about the impact of data centers on our water supply, electric grid, communities and quality of life. Each of these topics deserves careful planning, sound policy and public input.
A blanket data center moratorium, however, is not the answer.
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As president of ABC South Texas, I represent more than 215 member companies across 25 counties that employ thousands of Texans and build the commercial infrastructure our communities depend on.
ABC South Texas is the voice of the merit shop construction industry, which makes up 97% of Texas’ construction industry and has built some of the nation’s most sophisticated facilities, including hospitals, advanced manufacturing plants, semiconductor factories and data centers.
The Express-News article “Council members want data center pause” (Aug. 9) noted that the proposed moratorium was announced alongside environmental groups and labor unions, and that state Sen. José Menéndez called for data centers to be built with union labor.
That is a troubling direction for public policy.
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Government should never favor one labor model over another, especially when that model represents only 3% of the state’s construction workforce.
Every qualified contractor deserves the opportunity to compete based on safety, quality, experience and value, not labor affiliation. A majority of construction workers would be kept out of well-paying jobs if Menéndez’s ideas were implemented.
The article also notes that District 6 Council Member Ric Galvan’s goal is not to permanently stop data center development but to allow time to address concerns regarding water, energy, traffic and environmental impacts.
If that is the objective, then the focus should be on developing clear, thoughtful, science-based standards that protect our natural resources while allowing responsible projects to move forward.
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Data centers are not simply warehouses filled with computers. They are critical infrastructure that support healthcare, financial institutions, education, manufacturing, defense, artificial intelligence and countless businesses that rely on secure digital services every day.
The article also points out that San Antonio has become an attractive location because of its infrastructure, fiber connectivity and business climate. We should not jeopardize that competitive advantage without first considering the long-term economic consequences. Other cities and states will easily step in and take advantage of those data center opportunities.
San Antonio can protect its natural resources while continuing to attract investment, create jobs and foster innovation. Responsible growth and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities. With thoughtful planning, we can and should achieve both.
Texas did not become a national economic powerhouse by freezing innovation. We thoughtfully debated, built consensus and adapted, all while continuing to build.
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Proceeding thoughtfully when it comes to data center regulations is prudent. Completely pausing progress is unwise.
If Texas wants to continue to be a state that leads in this country, it must reject blanket bans and embrace balanced, locally driven solutions, not put innovation on hold.
Builders in Texas are ready to do their part. The question is whether local lawmakers will let them.
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Michelle Seward Davis is the president of Associated Builders and Contractors of South Texas.
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