North Texas counties push for more local control over data centers

Rural residents raised concerns about water, electricity and heavy industry near their homes.

Rural county governments across North Texas are calling for more regulation of data centers, saying the big tech facilities that power the internet are raising concerns about water use, electricity demand and local control.

Somervell County commissioners voted Monday to send a resolution and letter to state leaders in Austin asking for a pause on new data center applications. They also want counties to have more power to pass zoning regulations similar to cities.

The vote comes after commissioners earlier this year approved tax breaks for an Amazon data center near the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant.

“These folks from oftentimes the West Coast are coming into our state and overrunning us using our water, using our electricity,” Somervell County resident Demetra Conrad said.

According to state officials, about 40 data center projects were planned in Texas two years ago. This year, close to 400 are planned across the state, driving concerns about water use and increasing energy bills.

“At this time, we need a cessation of all AI data centers, Bitcoin mines, not because we’re anti-progress, but because we need to understand what’s happening,” Conrad said.

The push is backed by state Rep. Helen Kerwin, R-Glen Rose, and many residents who spoke Monday.

“It is about making sure rural Texas has a say in its future,” Kerwin said.

Some residents said they are worried about heavy industry moving into rural communities.

“Did you move out here to have industry, heavy industry right next door to you?” Somervell County resident Chris Paulsen asked.

The big tech companies behind the projects say data centers bring thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, along with an expanded tax base. Liz Schwab, Google’s energy development manager, said the facilities are essential to daily online life.

“You’re checking your email. You’re checking your social media. You’re streaming your favorite service. You’re doing your online banking or health care. All of that relies on data centers,” Schwab said.

Schwab, who oversees two data centers in Ellis County with three more planned across the state, said rural Texas can benefit from long-term economic investment.

“So think about not just the restaurants and hotels, but the electrician and the HVAC company and the security company and the landscapers. You know, all the other type of maintenance roles that we contract out for in the broader community,” Schwab said.

There is a public meeting on data centers on Monday night in Ellis County, where facilities are located in Red Oak and Midlothian.

The debate is expected to continue through the year and into the Legislature in January 2027.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.