The Hill County Commissioners Court has voted this week to rescind a moratorium on data center construction that was established May 12.
The unanimous decision on June 4 came after an affected company, RCM Hill, LLC, filed a $100 million suit against the county. After reaching its decision, Commissioner Jim Holcomb of Precinct 1 stated that the court wanted to protect the citizens of Hill County.
While the moratorium did not permanently stop data center construction, it imposed a one-year pause to allow the county to study the environmental impacts of the resource-intensive structures. Data centers require large amounts of water to cool AI-related electronic components effectively and reduce energy consumption.
Hill County is not alone in seeking a way to slow the growth of data centers. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has called for a pause on such construction.
The state very rarely allows counties to impose moratoriums. The right is typically reserved for municipalities and cities, making the county’s action notable.
In an interview with local news station KWTX, resident Jack Merrill said data centers could change the way of life he and his sons enjoy.
“We’re here to preserve Texas. These guys are not, they’re here for money, big money, and they’ve thrown their weight around with that, and they’re diminishing our way of life,” Merrill said.
During the meeting, the court also established a “Major Industrial Development Review Policy,” which will require companies to be forthright regarding the impact data centers will have on the county. The policy is intended to help the county to obtain information from corporations so the commissioners can make informed decisions about proposed projects.
The Commissioners Court will hold its next meeting on June 9.
