McLennan County Unlikely to Ban Data Center Construction

McLennan County officials have indicated they will not enact a ban on data center construction, differentiating their approach from a recent decision made by neighboring Hill County. Hill County commissioners voted 3-2 to implement a one-year moratorium on new data center facilities in rural areas, a move County Judge Shane Brassell supported, noting public backing for the measure. Despite Hill County becoming the first in Texas to impose such a pause on data center proliferation, McLennan County leaders contend they lack the legal standing to follow suit. They cite state laws that, in their view, prevent counties from dictating terms to data center operations. McLennan County Judge Scott Felton suggested that Hill County's ban might be an ineffective gesture, and he sees no reason for McLennan County to replicate it. This stance highlights a divergent legal interpretation and policy approach between the two adjacent counties regarding technology infrastructure development. The discussion arises as construction continues on a CyrusOne data center in Bosque County, close to the Hill County line. This ongoing development underscores the regional interest in and impact of these large-scale facilities.