Texas County Temporarily Halts AI Data Center Projects in Rural Areas
Hill County, Texas, has enacted a temporary moratorium on AI data center projects in rural zones, marking a first for the state. This decision reflects growing concerns over community impact and infrastructure demands.
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Hill County's commissioners voted 3-2 to impose a temporary moratorium on AI data center developments in rural areas, pending a community impact assessment. This marks Texas's first such moratorium, as the state has been generally supportive of data center growth.
The decision stemmed from a proposed 300-acre campus by Provident Data Centers near Hillsboro. Concerns include rising energy costs, which have increased over 30% nationally since 2020, and issues related to noise pollution and health risks. Legal risks accompany the moratorium, with potential lawsuits and state-level opposition indicated.
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