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Freeport council holds first reading of ordinance to ban data centers, cites state law SB 484
Summary
The City of Freeport held a first reading of an ordinance that would ban data centers within city limits; council members asked about definitions and large energy/water users, and staff said the draft addresses those concerns; adoption is scheduled for early July following state statute timing.
The City Council on June 25 held the first reading of an ordinance that would ban data centers inside city limits and set the item for a second reading and public hearing at the council’s first July meeting.
During discussion a council member raised a concern about whether the ordinance could be circumvented by applicants who do not label facilities as data centers but would nonetheless draw large amounts of water and power. Staff responded that the ordinance’s language and cross-reference to statutory definitions would close that potential loophole, saying the draft covers facilities defined in state law and large-load customers (the transcript cited a 50-megawatt threshold while discussing definitions).
Staff told the council the ordinance will be presented for adoption after the July 1 effective date of Senate Bill 484, which the meeting referenced as the state action dealing with these issues. The council did not vote on final adoption at the June 25 meeting; the item was advanced to the July agenda for adoption and public hearing.
Ending: The ordinance will return for a second reading and public hearing at the council’s next scheduled meeting in July.
