Comal County passes resolution urging state study of data‑center impacts, commissioners split on effectiveness

Comal County Commissioners approved a resolution asking the state of Texas to evaluate the siting, water use, incentives and community impacts of data centers.

The resolution, moved and seconded during the meeting, requests state-level study and guidance because commissioners said counties lack regulatory authority over many aspects of large data-center projects. Commissioner Webb opened the discussion saying, "These are state matters. These are things that the state controls and we don't," and urged the state to provide guidance on water use and other impacts.

Discussion focused on a few recurring themes: water consumption and whether data centers will use open‑loop versus closed‑loop cooling systems; the limits of county authority and private-property rights; and the role of state incentives. Commissioner Hogg expressed skepticism about the resolution's effectiveness, saying, "I don't think this resolution is gonna do anything for us," while other commissioners said having a formal local statement could support later legislative outreach and provide elected officials with facts to share with constituents.

The court approved the resolution by voice vote. The motion was made by Commissioner Crownover and seconded by Commissioner Leacock; the judge recorded the motion as carried.

Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized that the county is in a region with limited water resources and that clear state guidance would help balance economic development with community impact. Several commissioners suggested using the resolution as a starting point for legislative priorities to present to the county's state delegation.