Hunt County adopts resolution urging state limits on data-center siting as residents raise water, noise and fire-safety concerns

The Hunt County Commissioners Court voted June 9 to adopt a resolution urging members of the Texas Legislature to give counties limited authority to regulate data-center siting and operations, a move commissioners described as a strategic push for statewide action. The unanimous vote followed several emailed and in‑person public comments that raised concerns about water use, low‑frequency noise, air emissions from backup generators and fire risks tied to battery energy storage.

Residents had submitted written comments asking for immediate environmental and safety studies. Carolyn Qualls, in an email read into the record, asked for “water consumption metered,” noise and infrasound studies and assurances about air‑pollution controls for backup generators. Dennis Qualls urged commissioners to review Hill County’s approach and “address water, noise, electricity and other far‑reaching environmental impacts.”

The resolution supports proposed legislation for the 90th Texas Legislature that would create a limited statutory framework enabling counties to require certain reviews or conditions for large industrial facilities, including data centers, where current county authority over land use and zoning is restricted. Judge Bobby W. Stovall and other commissioners said the court is pursuing two tracks: a political/legislative path asking state lawmakers to act and a tactical, local path to identify enforceable steps the county can take now — for instance, through the fire code or procedural permit coordination — without exposing the county to immediate legal challenges.

David Jones, presenting earlier in the meeting on fire-code updates, noted NFPA 855 and related provisions affecting energy storage systems and data centers and recommended discussion of emergency‑response planning tied to any local adoption of new codes. Commissioners said they have already declined local tax abatements to the industry and are exploring other tangibly enforceable measures while seeking stronger state authority.

The court’s approval directs county staff to communicate the resolution to the county’s state representatives and to continue discussions with neighboring counties and stakeholders on model requirements that are legally enforceable. Public commenters thanked the court for listening, and commissioners said the resolution is intended to prompt clearer state rules rather than to impose a local moratorium.