Overview
- The Alvin City Council unanimously adopted a nonbinding resolution formally opposing data center development within city limits until the city completes impact studies and regulatory reviews.
- The resolution is a policy statement and does not create a permanent ban or new local permit powers for data centers.
- Council members cited concern that an initial proposed electrical load of about 200 megawatts could grow toward roughly 1 gigawatt and that such facilities can strain water, wastewater, drainage, transportation and emergency services.
- Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta is preparing a largely symbolic county resolution to express opposition while noting that Texas law gives counties limited zoning power and that many data centers site in unincorporated areas to avoid local rules.
- Developers and utility partner CenterPoint have been evaluating large parcels reported at roughly 100 to 200 acres, and the next steps include the city’s technical studies, a county commissioners discussion and possible state or legislative action if officials seek enforceable limits.