LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – An effort to halt data centers in Lubbock, spurred by citizen petition, has culminated in compromise.<\/p>\n
As part of the \u2018Save Lubbock\u2019 group, Stephen Sanders says he\u2019s been working with city council the last several months to see what can be done about large-scale data centers. While his 18-month moratorium ordinance proposal was not feasible under Texas law, he says a 90-day proposal by the council is a meaningful step<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives our city time to establish guardrails, protect out resources, consider the long-term effects on our neighborhoods, and develop a clear plan, rather than rushing forward without adequate preparation,\u201d Sanders said.<\/p>\n
The resolution to start the moratorium process was approved 5-2. While the ordinance is drafted, city planning staff is tasked with developing new guidelines on water use, power reliability, zoning, noise and lighting for any large scale center. A work session will also be scheduled within 90 days so experts can brief the council on potential data center impacts.<\/p>\n
District 6 councilman Tim Collins voted against this resolution. He says with the regular Texas legislative session set to end in May 2027, he believes now\u2019s not the time to institute this.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are going to receive a great deal of information,\u201d Collins said. \u201cA great deal of information about power requirements, a great deal about water needs, a great deal of information about what the state is going to require data centers to do. We only have one tool, and that\u2019s this moratorium. If we exercise that tool today, come June, we\u2019re out. We\u2019re out of the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
District 4 councilman Tim Green also voted not to adopt the resolution, saying he feels technology around data centers has changed and its potential for Lubbock\u2019s economy could be significant.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it threatens Lubbock\u2019s water supply, we shouldn\u2019t approve it, and we won\u2019t approve it,\u201d Green said. \u201cIf a company can demonstrate it can operate responsibly, then let\u2019s look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n
District 5 councilwoman Jennifer Wilson says she wants business to come to Lubbock, but not at any cost to our resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want it to be the right project, in the right location, and in the right circumstances that it benefits us here in west Texas,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n
Mayor Mark McBrayer added that given what\u2019s going on right now in the state, this will give the city plenty of time to assess the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven ERCOT\u2019s situation, no one\u2019s coming to Lubbock in the next year anyway with a data center,\u201d McBrayer said. \u201cWe are staking a position that we want to wait for our legislators at the state level to give some direction, to give some further guidance in areas where only they can give guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n
If the optional 90-day moratorium extension were to be approved by council, a potential large-scale data center would not be considered until June of 2027.<\/p>\n
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