{ "_spec": { "generated": "2026-08-15" }, "items": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0001", "title": "PUCT Project 58000, rulemaking to update ERCOT transmission cost recovery, comment deadline reached", "summary": "The Public Utility Commission of Texas is amending its wholesale and investor owned utility retail transmission cost recovery rules for the ERCOT region. The commission published a proposal for publication amending Section 25.192 and Section 25.193 and set a comment deadline of August 11th, 2026. Utilities and data center developers filed comments on the deadline date. So did consumer advocates and ERCOT itself. The commission next considers the proposal at an open meeting before adopting a final rule.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-04-23", "kind": "filed", "note": "Project opened by PUC Rules and Projects" }, { "date": "2026-07-09", "kind": "comment_opens", "note": "Proposal for publication filed and acknowledged by the Texas Register" }, { "date": "2026-08-11", "kind": "comment_closes", "note": "Comment deadline stated in the Texas Register acknowledgement" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_comment", "how": "Comments are filed in the PUCT Interchange under control number 58000. The comment deadline stated in the record has now been reached, so the remaining public access is the open meeting at which commissioners consider the proposal. Open meetings are held in Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100 and are listed as open to the public on the PUCT calendar feed.", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "closes": "2026-08-11" }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c1", "text": "The project's official case style identifies it as the ERCOT transmission cost recovery rulemaking.", "verbatim_quote": "Rulemaking to Update Wholesale and IOU Retail Transmission Cost Recovery in the ERCOT Region", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, Case Style", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c2", "text": "The filing index records the number of filings in the project.", "verbatim_quote": "66 filing(s).", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c3", "text": "The proposal for publication amends two named transmission cost recovery rules.", "verbatim_quote": "PROPOSAL FOR PUBLICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO §25.192 and §25.193", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, item 8, filed by PUC OPDM, file stamp 7/9/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c4", "text": "The Texas Register acknowledgement filed in the project states the comment due date.", "verbatim_quote": "Texas Register Acknowledgement of Receipt - Comments Due 08.11.2026", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/documents/?controlNumber=58000&itemNumber=9", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, control number 58000 item 9, filed by RULES & PROJECTS, file stamp 7/9/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c5", "text": "An earlier staff memo in the project carried a July 31st comment deadline before the deadline was reset.", "verbatim_quote": "OM Item No. 29 - Staff Memo & PFP w/July 31 Comment Deadline", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, item 3, file stamp 6/11/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c6", "text": "A legislative committee chairman filed a letter into the rulemaking on transmission cost recovery.", "verbatim_quote": "LETTER REGARDING EVALUATION OF TRANSMISSION COST RECOVERY", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, item 5, party CHAIRMAN DREW DARBY, file stamp 6/30/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c7", "text": "ERCOT filed comments on the proposal on the deadline date.", "verbatim_quote": "ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF TEXAS, INC.’S COMMENTS REG", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, item 64, party ERCOT, file stamp 8/11/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c8", "text": "The Office of Public Utility Counsel, the statutory residential ratepayer advocate, filed comments on the deadline date.", "verbatim_quote": "OFFICE OF PUBLIC UTILITY COUNSEL’S COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSA", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, item 63, party OPUC, file stamp 8/11/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0001-c9", "text": "Data center and digital infrastructure companies filed comments in the rulemaking.", "verbatim_quote": "Rowan Digital Infrastructure Comments in Response to Propo", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58000&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58000, item 58, party ROWAN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, file stamp 8/11/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "This is the rulemaking most directly downstream of SB 6 (89R). The docket record itself does not recite SB 6 in the case style, so the SB 6 linkage is asserted separately in the SB 6 item and should not be presented here as something the PUCT record states. The underlying proposal PDF is at https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/58000_9_1664204.PDF and was NOT parsed: no PDF text extractor was available in this environment. A follow up should read it and pull the four coincident peak allocation language directly. Party names are reproduced exactly as the Interchange spells them, including its truncation of long filing descriptions." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002", "title": "PUCT Project 58482, proposed new rule on Large Load Demand Management Service, open for comment", "summary": "The Public Utility Commission of Texas has proposed a new rule governing demand management service for large electric loads, the category that covers data centers. The proposal for publication creates a new Section 25.521. Comments are open until September 4th, 2026. Individual Texans as well as utilities and data center operators have already filed.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-24", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Staff memo and proposal for publication with a September 4th comment deadline" }, { "date": "2026-07-30", "kind": "comment_opens", "note": "Proposal for publication of new Section 25.521 filed" }, { "date": "2026-09-04", "kind": "comment_closes", "note": "Comment deadline in the Texas Register acknowledgement" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_comment", "how": "Anyone may file comments under control number 58482 through the PUCT Interchange filer at https://www.puc.texas.gov/industry/filings/Default.aspx. Individuals have already done so without counsel. The record contains filings from named members of the public alongside utility and data center filings. Comments must be in by the September 4th, 2026 deadline.", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58482&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "closes": "2026-09-04" }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c1", "text": "The project's official case style names the subject of the rulemaking.", "verbatim_quote": "Large Load Demand Management Service", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58482&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58482, Case Style", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c2", "text": "The commission filed a proposal for publication creating a new rule section.", "verbatim_quote": "PROPOSAL FOR PUBLICATION NEW §25.521", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/documents/?controlNumber=58482&itemNumber=30", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, control number 58482 item 30, filed by PUC OPDM, file stamp 7/30/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c3", "text": "The Texas Register acknowledgement states the comment deadline.", "verbatim_quote": "Texas Register Acknowledgement of Receipt - Comment Deadline 09/04/2026", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/documents/?controlNumber=58482&itemNumber=31", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, control number 58482 item 31, filed by RULES & PROJECTS, file stamp 7/30/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c4", "text": "The PUCT calendar feed independently lists the September 4th public comment deadline for this project.", "verbatim_quote": "Project 58482 Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100 ( Open To Public )", "source_url": "https://puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/GetCalendarRss.aspx", "source_title": "PUCT calendar RSS, entry titled Public Comment Deadline - Friday, September 4, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c5", "text": "Members of the public have filed objections in the project without counsel.", "verbatim_quote": "Large Load Demand Services \"Say No to incentives\"", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58482&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58482, item 32, party Jennifer Carrig, file stamp 8/3/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c6", "text": "A second member of the public filed an objection to the rule change.", "verbatim_quote": "Objection to rule change", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58482&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58482, item 33, party Helen Bryant, file stamp 8/3/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c7", "text": "A data center operator is a party to the rulemaking.", "verbatim_quote": "CyrusOne, LP Comments in Response to Commission Staff's Qu", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58482&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58482, item 25, party CyrusOne, LP, file stamp 4/8/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c8", "text": "The filing index records the number of filings in the project.", "verbatim_quote": "33 filing(s).", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=58482&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 58482", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c9", "text": "The rulemaking implements a statutory command in the Utilities Code bearing the same name as the project.", "verbatim_quote": "Sec. 39.170. LARGE LOAD DEMAND MANAGEMENT SERVICE. (a) The commission shall require the independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/UT/htm/UT.39.htm", "source_title": "Texas Utilities Code Sec. 39.170, added by SB 6 (89R)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0002-c10", "text": "The statute sets the size threshold for the large load customers the service must reach.", "verbatim_quote": "develop a reliability service to competitively procure demand reductions from large load customers with a demand of at least 75 megawatts to be deployed in the event of an anticipated emergency condition", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/UT/htm/UT.39.htm", "source_title": "Texas Utilities Code Sec. 39.170(b)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "This is the single most actionable item in the seed set: a live comment window a reader can still use. The proposed rule text is at https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/58482_30_1669532.PDF and was NOT parsed, for the same missing PDF extractor reason. A follow up should confirm what Section 25.521 actually requires of large loads before the docket summarises its substance beyond the case style." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0003", "title": "PUCT Docket 59315, Oncor application for a 765 kV transmission line across 22 counties", "summary": "Oncor Electric Delivery has applied to amend its certificate of convenience and necessity to build the Dinosaur Switch to Longshore Switch transmission line. The application covers a corridor crossing 22 named counties in central and west Texas. The docket has drawn one of the largest volumes of landowner filings in recent PUCT practice. Those filings include intervention requests, protests and a county resolution. The commission has the matter set for an open meeting on August 21st, 2026.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Borden", "Bosque", "Brown", "Callahan", "Coke", "Coleman", "Comanche", "Eastland", "Erath", "Glasscock", "Hamilton", "Hood", "Howard", "Jones", "Mitchell", "Nolan", "Runnels", "Shackelford", "Somervell", "Stephens", "Sterling", "Taylor" ], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-02-02", "kind": "filed", "note": "Oncor requested a docket number" }, { "date": "2026-08-21", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Open meeting listing the docket, per the PUCT calendar feed" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The docket is set for an open meeting on August 21st, 2026 in Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100, listed as open to the public. Affected landowners have intervened and filed protests directly through the Interchange under control number 59315, and the record shows individuals doing so in their own names.", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=59315&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0003-c1", "text": "The docket's official case style names the applicant, the project and every county crossed.", "verbatim_quote": "APPLICATION OF ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC TO AMEND ITS CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY FOR THE DINOSAUR SWITCH - LONGSHORE SWITCH 765 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT IN BORDEN, BOSQUE, BROWN, CALLAHAN, COKE, COLEMAN, COMANCHE, EASTLAND, ERATH, GLASSCOCK, HAMILTON, HOOD, HOWARD, JONES, MITCHELL, NOLAN, RUNNELS, SHACKELFORD, SOMERVELL, STEPHENS, STERLING, AND TAYLOR COUNTIES", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=59315&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 59315, Case Style", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0003-c2", "text": "The filing index records the number of filings in the docket.", "verbatim_quote": "5782 filing(s).", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=59315&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 59315", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0003-c3", "text": "A county government filed a resolution into the docket.", "verbatim_quote": "Comanche County Resolution", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=59315&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 59315, item 4, party Comanche County, file stamp 2/4/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0003-c4", "text": "Landowners organised in opposition to a routing option near a state park.", "verbatim_quote": "Protest the A3 line going around Dinosaur Valley State Park", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=59315&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 59315, item 3, party Rock-N-Oaks Ranch, file stamp 2/3/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0003-c5", "text": "A river protection group entered the docket.", "verbatim_quote": "Letter Oncor Dinosaur-Longshore 765KV", "source_url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?UtilityType=A&ControlNumber=59315&ItemMatch=Equal&DocumentType=ALL&SortOrder=Ascending", "source_title": "PUCT Interchange, Filings for 59315, item 5, party Paluxy River Protection Alliance, file stamp 2/4/2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0003-c6", "text": "The PUCT calendar feed lists the docket for an open meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "Docket 59315 Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100 ( Open To Public )", "source_url": "https://puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/GetCalendarRss.aspx", "source_title": "PUCT calendar RSS, entry titled Open Meeting - Friday, August 21, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "The 765 kV designation and the 22 county list are taken verbatim from the commission's own case style, not computed. Note for numeral_lint: 765 kV and the docket number are identifiers inside a quoted official title, not measurements this project derived. The Interchange web view rendered only the first 2000 filing rows while reporting 5782 filings, so the item count is quoted from the index line rather than counted from the table. This docket is included on the AI beat because 765 kV backbone capacity is the physical answer to large load growth, but the record fetched does NOT state that any particular data center drives this line, and the docket must not be described as a data center project without that link being established." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0006", "title": "TRAIGA in force as Business and Commerce Code Chapter 552, enforceable only by the Attorney General", "summary": "The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act took effect on January 1st, 2026 as Chapter 552 of the Business and Commerce Code. It bans developing or deploying an AI system with intent to unlawfully discriminate, to manipulate behavior, for social scoring or to produce certain illegal content. It also requires government agencies to tell people when they are interacting with an AI system. The Attorney General has exclusive enforcement authority and the statute creates no private right of action.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Office of the Attorney General of Texas", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-06-22", "kind": "signed", "note": "HB 149 signed by the Governor" }, { "date": "2026-01-01", "kind": "effective", "note": "Chapter 552 took effect" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "Individuals can't sue under this chapter. The route is a complaint to the Attorney General. A related statute requires that office to run an online AI complaint page. See item tx-2026-0010 for that page's statutory basis and for the verification gap on whether it exists yet.", "url": null, "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0006-c1", "text": "The chapter was created by HB 149 and took effect January 1st, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1174 (H.B. 149), Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2026.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 552, Artificial Intelligence Protection, source note to Sec. 552.001", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0006-c2", "text": "The Attorney General has exclusive enforcement authority and there is no private right of action.", "verbatim_quote": "(a) The attorney general has exclusive authority to enforce this chapter, except to the extent provided by Section 552.106 . (b) This chapter does not provide a basis for, and is not subject to, a private right of action for a violation of this chapter or any other law.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Sec. 552.101, Enforcement Authority", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0006-c3", "text": "The statute sets tiered civil penalties by violation type.", "verbatim_quote": "(1) for each violation the court determines to be curable or a breach of a statement submitted to the attorney general under Section 552.104 (b)(2), not less than $10,000 and not more than $12,000; (2) for each violation the court determines to be uncurable, not less than $80,000 and not more than $200,000; and (3) for a continued violation, not less than $2,000 and not more than $40,000 for each day the violation continues.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Sec. 552.105, Civil Penalty; Injunction", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0006-c4", "text": "The discrimination ban turns on intent, and disparate impact alone is not enough to show it.", "verbatim_quote": "(b) A person may not develop or deploy an artificial intelligence system with the intent to unlawfully discriminate against a protected class in violation of state or federal law. (c) For purposes of this section, a disparate impact is not sufficient by itself to demonstrate an intent to discriminate.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Sec. 552.056, Unlawful Discrimination", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0006-c5", "text": "Government agencies must disclose AI interaction even when it would be obvious.", "verbatim_quote": "(c) A person is required to make the disclosure under Subsection (b) regardless of whether it would be obvious to a reasonable consumer that the consumer is interacting with an artificial intelligence system.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Sec. 552.051, Disclosure to Consumers", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0006-c6", "text": "There is a rebuttable presumption that a person used reasonable care.", "verbatim_quote": "(c) There is a rebuttable presumption that a person used reasonable care as required under this chapter.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Sec. 552.105, Civil Penalty; Injunction", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "Sourced to the enacted statute rather than to the bill history, which is both the better primary source and an allowed one. Dollar figures appear only inside verbatim statutory quotes. Note the chapter title is Artificial Intelligence Protection, not the act's popular name." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0007", "title": "Utilities Code limits how the PUCT may direct ERCOT, and bars verbal directives", "summary": "Texas law restricts the channels through which the Public Utility Commission may order ERCOT to act. A verbal directive is prohibited outright. An official action may be directed only by contested case, by rulemaking or by a written order or memorandum adopted on a majority vote. The ERCOT board selection committee picks ERCOT's directors and designates its chair. The governor does not.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "Texas Legislature", "type": "legislature" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2021-06-08", "kind": "effective", "note": "SB 2 (87R) added the board selection committee" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "A directive to ERCOT must run through a contested case, a rulemaking or a majority vote taken in a meeting. Each of those routes carries its own way in for the public. PUCT open meetings are listed on the agency calendar feed and are open to the public in Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100.", "url": "https://puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/GetCalendarRss.aspx", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0007-c1", "text": "The commission may not verbally direct ERCOT and may direct official action only three ways.", "verbatim_quote": "(a) The commission may not use a verbal directive to direct an independent organization certified under Section 39.151 to take an official action. The commission may direct the organization to take an official action only through: (1) a contested case; (2) rulemaking; or (3) a memorandum or written order adopted by a majority vote.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/UT/htm/UT.39.htm", "source_title": "Texas Utilities Code Sec. 39.1514, Commission Directives to Independent Organization", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0007-c2", "text": "The ERCOT board selection committee is three members, one each appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker.", "verbatim_quote": "(a) The ERCOT board selection committee is composed of: (1) one member appointed by the governor; (2) one member appointed by the lieutenant governor; and (3) one member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/UT/htm/UT.39.htm", "source_title": "Texas Utilities Code Sec. 39.1513, ERCOT Board Selection Committee", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0007-c3", "text": "That committee selects ERCOT's governing body and designates its chair and vice chair.", "verbatim_quote": "(d) The committee shall select members eligible under Section 39.151 to serve on the governing body of an independent organization certified under that section for the ERCOT power region and shall designate the chair and vice chair of the governing body from those members.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/UT/htm/UT.39.htm", "source_title": "Texas Utilities Code Sec. 39.1513, ERCOT Board Selection Committee", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "This item exists to give readers the legal frame for the August 3rd audit directive. It states what the statute says and stops there. It does NOT assert that the governor's directive was improper: the section binds the commission's directives to ERCOT, and a governor's letter to both agencies is a different instrument. Any characterisation beyond the quoted text needs a lawyer and a named source." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0008", "title": "Texas Government Code Chapter 2054 carries three conflicting Subchapter S's on AI, with duplicated section numbers", "summary": "Three separate acts of the 89th Legislature each added a Subchapter S to Government Code Chapter 2054, and two of them number their sections identically. Section 2054.702 exists twice with entirely different commands, as do Sections 2054.701 and 2054.703 through 2054.705. The codifier has flagged the conflict in the published code rather than resolved it. Which text governs a state agency's AI duties is unsettled on the face of the statute.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Texas Legislature", "type": "legislature" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-09-01", "kind": "effective", "note": "Both conflicting AI subchapters took effect" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "A codification conflict is resolved either by the Legislature in a future non substantive revision bill or by a court. There is no comment window. A reader who cares can raise it with their own legislator or with the Texas Legislative Council, which prepares the revision bills.", "url": null, "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0008-c1", "text": "The published code carries an editorial note recording three separate Subchapter S enactments.", "verbatim_quote": "Subchapter S, consisting of Secs. 2054.701 to 2054.713, was added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1148 (S.B. 1964 ), Sec. 5. For another Subchapter S, consisting of Secs. 2054.651 to 2054.654, added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 951 (H.B. 5195 ), Sec. 1, see Sec. 2054.651 et seq., post. For another Subchapter S, consisting of Secs. 2054.701 to 2054.705, added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1079 (H.B. 2818 ), Sec. 1, see Sec. 2054.701 et seq., post.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Chapter 2054, editorial note preceding Subchapter S", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0008-c2", "text": "One version of Section 2054.702 concerns generative AI technology.", "verbatim_quote": "Sec. 2054.702. GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.702, in the Subchapter S added by HB 2818", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0008-c3", "text": "The other version of Section 2054.702 requires a statewide AI code of ethics.", "verbatim_quote": "Sec. 2054.702. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM CODE OF ETHICS. (a) The department by rule shall establish an artificial intelligence system code of ethics for use by state agencies and local governments that procure, develop, deploy, or use artificial intelligence systems.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.702, in the Subchapter S added by SB 1964", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0008-c4", "text": "That code of ethics must align with a named federal framework.", "verbatim_quote": "the artificial intelligence system code of ethics must include guidance for the deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems and heightened scrutiny artificial intelligence systems that aligns with the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0) published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.702(b), in the Subchapter S added by SB 1964", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0008-c5", "text": "Local governments as well as state agencies must adopt the code of ethics.", "verbatim_quote": "(c) State agencies and local governments shall adopt the code of ethics developed under this section.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.702(c), in the Subchapter S added by SB 1964", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "Found by reading the code, not reported anywhere we saw, and it is the strongest original finding in this seed set. The conflict is real and is visible in the state's own published text. One caution for the write up: duplicate subchapter designations are a routine artefact of a busy session and are usually cleaned up in the next non substantive revision bill, so the honest framing is that the code currently carries a conflict, not that anyone did something wrong. Worth checking whether the 89th Legislature's later called sessions already fixed it." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0009", "title": "DIR must run an AI regulatory sandbox letting state agencies test systems outside normal rules", "summary": "The Department of Information Resources is required to establish a program letting eligible public entities contract with registered vendors to test AI systems before deployment. That testing is expressly without full compliance with otherwise applicable regulations. Vendors apply, and participants file quarterly reports. The department must report to the Legislature by November 30th of each even numbered year. That makes November 30th, 2026 the first reporting date.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Texas Department of Information Resources", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-09-01", "kind": "effective", "note": "SB 1964 took effect" }, { "date": "2026-11-30", "kind": "statutory_deadline", "note": "Department report to the Legislature due, per Sec. 2054.706(g)" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The application process runs to vendors registered with DIR rather than to the general public. The statute provides no public comment step. The public visibility point is the report the department owes the Legislature by November 30th, 2026. A reader can ask DIR for the vendor application process and for any quarterly reports already filed.", "url": null, "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0009-c1", "text": "The sandbox is defined as testing without full regulatory compliance.", "verbatim_quote": "\"Program\" means the program established by this section that is designed to allow temporary testing of an artificial intelligence system in a controlled, limited manner without requiring full compliance with otherwise applicable regulations.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.706(a)(2), Artificial Intelligence System Sandbox Program", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0009-c2", "text": "The department must establish and administer the program.", "verbatim_quote": "(b) The department shall establish and administer a program to support eligible entities in contracting with vendors to engage in research, development, training, testing, and other pre-deployment activities related to artificial intelligence systems", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.706(b)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0009-c3", "text": "Vendor applications must include a public risk assessment and a mitigation plan.", "verbatim_quote": "(2) a risk assessment of the system that addresses potential impacts on the public; and (3) a plan for mitigating any adverse consequences discovered during the system's testing phase.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.706(c)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0009-c4", "text": "The department owes the Legislature a report on a fixed recurring date.", "verbatim_quote": "(g) Not later than November 30 of each even-numbered year, the department shall produce an annual report and submit the report to the legislature summarizing:", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.706(g)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0009-c5", "text": "The sandbox was created by SB 1964, effective September 1st, 2025.", "verbatim_quote": "Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1148 (S.B. 1964 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2025.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Chapter 2054 Subchapter S, source note", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "CORRECTION TO A COMMON BELIEF, please keep it in the published item. The regulatory sandbox is widely attributed to TRAIGA. It is not in TRAIGA. It is Section 2054.706, added by SB 1964, and it took effect September 1st, 2025, four months before TRAIGA did. Whether DIR has actually stood the program up was NOT verified: no DIR page was fetched. That is the obvious follow up and the honest hook is the November 30th, 2026 report." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0012", "title": "TRAIGA preempts city and county regulation of artificial intelligence", "summary": "Chapter 552 of the Business and Commerce Code supersedes and preempts any local ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation about the use of AI systems. Texas cities and counties that might otherwise write their own AI rules are displaced by the state statute. The preemption is written broadly and without a carve out on its face.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Texas Legislature", "type": "legislature" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-01-01", "kind": "effective", "note": "Chapter 552 took effect, including the preemption section" } ], "public_access": { "room": "closed", "how": "The preemption is enacted law and takes no comment. Changing it takes the Legislature or a court. The Legislature next convenes in regular session in 2027. A resident whose city wants to act on AI can raise it with their legislator.", "url": null, "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0012-c1", "text": "The chapter preempts local regulation of AI use.", "verbatim_quote": "Sec. 552.003. LOCAL PREEMPTION. This chapter supersedes and preempts any ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation adopted by a political subdivision regarding the use of artificial intelligence systems.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.552.htm", "source_title": "Texas Business and Commerce Code Sec. 552.003, Local Preemption", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "Kept as its own item because it is the provision most likely to collide with the local data center fights elsewhere in this docket. IMPORTANT DISTINCTION a fact checker must preserve: this preempts local rules about the USE OF AI SYSTEMS. A city zoning ordinance about data center buildings is land use regulation, not AI use regulation, so San Marcos's ban is NOT obviously preempted by this section. Do not let the two be conflated in the write up." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0013", "title": "Comptroller's JETI current agreements list contains no data center project", "summary": "The Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation Act is the state's school district property tax incentive program. The Comptroller publishes the current executed agreements. Every project type on that list is manufacturing, power generation or extraction. No agreement on the published list is a data center.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The list is published for inspection and is not a proceeding. JETI applications are filed with and acted on by individual school districts. The participation point for a resident is their own district's board meeting when an application is before it.", "url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/current-agreements.php", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0013-c1", "text": "The published table's project type column lists only non data center categories.", "verbatim_quote": "Jet Fuel Manufacturing | Aircraft Parts Manufacturing | All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal P | Petrochemical Manufacturing | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | Gypsum Product Manufacturing | Unlaminated Plastics Film and Sheet (excep | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | Natural Gas Extraction | Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation", "source_url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/current-agreements.php", "source_title": "Texas Comptroller, JETI Current Agreements, Project Type column, all rows in document order", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0013-c2", "text": "The table's column headings show what the published record does and does not disclose.", "verbatim_quote": "Application # | Applicant | School District | Project Type | Proposed Investment | Limitation Percentage", "source_url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/current-agreements.php", "source_title": "Texas Comptroller, JETI Current Agreements, table header row", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "Verified: prior research was right. The project type strings are reproduced verbatim and in the order the page prints them, including the page's own mid word truncations, so a checker can diff them against the live table. The row count is deliberately not stated in prose: it should be computed by the build from the captured rows rather than typed. CAVEAT ON SCOPE, which the item must carry: JETI is the school district value limitation program only. A data center can still receive city or county tax abatements under Local Government Code Chapter 312, Chapter 380 or 381 agreements, and freeport exemptions, none of which appear on this page. The honest claim is that data centers are absent from THIS list, not that they get no Texas tax breaks." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0015", "title": "Federal comment window open on NRC reactor licensing and siting modernization", "summary": "The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a wholesale revision of its reactor licensing, safety oversight and siting rules. The revision is being carried out under an executive order directing reform of the agency. Comments close August 31st, 2026. Siting rules bear directly on the new nuclear generation being proposed to serve large electrical loads in Texas.", "topic": "defense-and-federal", "decider": { "name": "United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission", "type": "federal" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-16", "kind": "comment_opens", "note": "Proposed rule published in the Federal Register" }, { "date": "2026-08-31", "kind": "comment_closes", "note": "Comment period closes" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_comment", "how": "Anyone may comment through regulations.gov under docket NRC-2025-0975 until August 31st, 2026. The comment link on the Federal Register document page reaches the same docket. No lawyer and no standing are required.", "url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/16/2026-14341/modernizing-reactor-licensing-safety-oversight-and-siting-practices", "closes": "2026-08-31" }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0015-c1", "text": "The NRC is revising its reactor licensing, oversight and siting rules under an executive order.", "verbatim_quote": "Consistent with Executive Order 14300, \"Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,\" the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is conducting a review and wholesale revision of its regulations. This proposed rule aims to modernize reactor licensing, safety oversight, and siting practices", "source_url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/16/2026-14341/modernizing-reactor-licensing-safety-oversight-and-siting-practices", "source_title": "Federal Register, Modernizing Reactor Licensing, Safety Oversight, and Siting Practices, abstract", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0015-c2", "text": "The Federal Register API reports the document type, docket and comment close date.", "verbatim_quote": "Proposed Rule | pub 2026-07-16 closes 2026-08-31 | dockets ['NRC-2025-0975']", "source_url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents/2026-14341.json", "source_title": "Federal Register API, document 2026-14341, fields type, publication_date, comments_close_on, docket_ids", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "Included because it is actionable and time limited, which is the highest value class of item for readers. The Texas relevance is real but INDIRECT and the item should say so plainly: this is a national rulemaking, not a Texas proceeding. The regulations_dot_gov_info comment_url came back null from the API, so the Federal Register document page is given as the participation URL instead of a direct regulations.gov deep link." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0016", "title": "Federal comment window open on adding AI questions to the American Time Use Survey", "summary": "The Bureau of Labor Statistics has proposed adding questions about artificial intelligence to the American Time Use Survey. Public comment is open under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments close September 8th, 2026. The survey is a main federal instrument for measuring how people actually spend working time, so what it asks about AI shapes what is later knowable.", "topic": "research-and-science", "decider": { "name": "United States Bureau of Labor Statistics", "type": "federal" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-10", "kind": "comment_opens", "note": "Notice published in the Federal Register" }, { "date": "2026-09-08", "kind": "comment_closes", "note": "Comment period closes" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_comment", "how": "Comments go to the Department of Labor through the method given on the Federal Register notice, until September 8th, 2026. Paperwork Reduction Act notices are among the easiest federal comment routes for a member of the public to use.", "url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/10/2026-13928/proposed-information-collection-atus-artificial-intelligence-ai-questions", "closes": "2026-09-08" }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0016-c1", "text": "The notice is a Paperwork Reduction Act consultation inviting public comment.", "verbatim_quote": "The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.", "source_url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/10/2026-13928/proposed-information-collection-atus-artificial-intelligence-ai-questions", "source_title": "Federal Register, Proposed Information Collection; ATUS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Questions, abstract", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0016-c2", "text": "The Federal Register API reports the document type and comment close date.", "verbatim_quote": "Notice | pub 2026-07-10 closes 2026-09-08", "source_url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents/2026-13928.json", "source_title": "Federal Register API, document 2026-13928, fields type, publication_date, comments_close_on", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "This was the ONLY document with artificial intelligence in its title that had an open comment period on the query date. Worth stating plainly in any roundup: the federal AI comment docket is thin right now, and that is itself informative. Texas relevance is national, not specific." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0024", "title": "PUCT open meeting calendar published as a live feed through mid 2027", "summary": "The Public Utility Commission publishes its open meetings and public comment deadlines as a machine readable feed. Every entry is marked open to the public and names the hearing room. The schedule runs well into 2027, so a reader can see in advance when the commission will take up large load and transmission matters.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-14", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Next open meeting after the seed date" }, { "date": "2026-08-21", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Open meeting listing Docket 59315" }, { "date": "2026-09-04", "kind": "comment_closes", "note": "Public comment deadline for Project 58482" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Open meetings are held in Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100 at commission headquarters in Austin and the feed marks each one open to the public. Subscribing to the feed is the simplest way for a member of the public to see a comment deadline before it passes rather than after.", "url": "https://puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/GetCalendarRss.aspx", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0024-c1", "text": "The feed marks the August 21st open meeting and names the docket before it.", "verbatim_quote": "Docket 59315 Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100 ( Open To Public )", "source_url": "https://puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/GetCalendarRss.aspx", "source_title": "PUCT calendar RSS, entry titled Open Meeting - Friday, August 21, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0024-c2", "text": "The feed carries public comment deadlines as calendar entries naming the project.", "verbatim_quote": "Project 58482 Commissioners Hearing Room 7-100 ( Open To Public )", "source_url": "https://puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/GetCalendarRss.aspx", "source_title": "PUCT calendar RSS, entry titled Public Comment Deadline - Friday, September 4, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "This is an infrastructure item rather than a decision, and the docket may prefer to use the feed as a collector and not publish it as an item. Keeping it has one strong argument: it tells a reader where the calendar actually lives, which is the single most useful thing this docket can hand someone who wants to participate. Its dates are the spine of the recurring collector." }, { "id": "tx-2026-0025", "title": "Statute requires state agencies and local governments to post standardized notice of AI systems", "summary": "Every state agency and local government that deploys a public facing AI system must post a standardized notice on the related applications, websites and public computer systems. The same duty covers any system that is a controlling factor in a consequential decision. The Department of Information Resources is required to develop the notice form. That form must describe the system, its data sources and its privacy and ethics safeguards.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Texas Department of Information Resources", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": false }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-09-01", "kind": "effective", "note": "SB 1964 took effect" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The notice is meant to appear wherever the system is used. A resident who meets a government AI system should be able to see one. Where no notice appears, the question goes to the agency or local government running the system. Questions about the form itself go to DIR, which was required to develop it.", "url": null, "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "id": "tx-2026-0025-c1", "text": "Agencies and local governments must post a standardized notice for public facing or consequential AI systems.", "verbatim_quote": "(a) Each state agency and local government deploying or using an artificial intelligence system that is public-facing or that is a controlling factor in a consequential decision shall include a standardized notice on all related applications, Internet websites, and public computer systems.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.711(a), Standardized Notice", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" }, { "id": "tx-2026-0025-c2", "text": "DIR must develop the notice form and the statute fixes its minimum contents.", "verbatim_quote": "(b) The department shall develop a form that agencies must use for the notice required under Subsection (a). The form must include: (1) general information about the system and data sources the system uses; and (2) measures taken to maintain compliance with information privacy laws and ethics standards.", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm", "source_title": "Texas Government Code Sec. 2054.711(b)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-11" } ], "last_verified": "2026-08-11", "confidence": "high", "notes_for_editor": "Statutory duty verified from the code. Whether DIR has published the form, and whether any agency is posting the notice, was NOT checked. This is the most checkable AI transparency duty in Texas law: a reader can look for the notice on any state agency site that uses a chatbot. That makes it a good candidate for a recurring audit rather than a one time item." }, { "title": "Temple Planning and Zoning Commission takes up a Unified Development Code amendment that would require a Conditional Use Permit for every future data center", "summary": "The Temple Planning and Zoning Commission has three data center items on its August 17th, 2026 agenda. The central one is a set of proposed Unified Development Code amendments. They would require a Conditional Use Permit for any future data center, even in districts where data centers are already allowed. The city says the change would add a public review step and let Temple attach project specific conditions, technical studies and supporting documentation before a project moves forward. A second item is zoning for a subsequent building in Rowan Digital Infrastructure's first phase at Synergy Industrial Park, which the developer calls Lasso. Temple's own data center hub states that domestic water use for Project Temple is contractually capped at 4,000 gallons per day. It also states that projects under this framework would have to use closed-loop cooling.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "City of Temple Planning and Zoning Commission", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Bell" ], "metro": "Killeen-Temple, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-17", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Planning and Zoning Commission considers the UDC amendments, the Lasso zoning case and the Synergy Industrial Park plat" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Attend the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on August 17th, 2026. Since December 11th, 2025 the City of Temple no longer offers a virtual participation option for board and commission meetings. Attendance is in person at City Hall on North Main Street. Agendas and supporting documents are posted on the city's data center hub and its public meetings page, and the City Secretary's office is reachable at 254-298-5700.", "url": "https://www.templetx.gov/datacenters", "closes": "2026-08-17" }, "claims": [ { "text": "The Temple Planning and Zoning Commission will consider several data center items at its August 17th meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "As a part of that development process, the Temple Planning & Zoning Commission will consider several items related to data center development during its August 17 meeting.", "source_url": "https://city-of-temple.prowly.com/467476-upcoming-meeting-notice", "source_title": "Upcoming Meeting Notice, City of Temple newsroom", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0026-c1" }, { "text": "The proposed code amendment would require a Conditional Use Permit for future data centers even where they are already a permitted use.", "verbatim_quote": "The proposed amendments would apply to future proposed projects by requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), even in zoning districts where data centers are otherwise permitted.", "source_url": "https://city-of-temple.prowly.com/467476-upcoming-meeting-notice", "source_title": "Upcoming Meeting Notice, City of Temple newsroom", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0026-c2" }, { "text": "The zoning item on the same agenda is a later building in Rowan's first phase, which the developer calls Lasso.", "verbatim_quote": "This is for a subsequent building related to Rowan's initial phase in Synergy Industrial Park. You may see this project referred to as Lasso by Rowan.", "source_url": "https://city-of-temple.prowly.com/467476-upcoming-meeting-notice", "source_title": "Upcoming Meeting Notice, City of Temple newsroom", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0026-c3" }, { "text": "Temple states that domestic water use at Project Temple is contractually capped.", "verbatim_quote": "For Project Temple, the first Rowan hyperscale project being developed in Temple, domestic water use is contractually capped at 4,000 gallons per day.", "source_url": "https://www.templetx.gov/datacenters", "source_title": "Data Center Information Hub, City of Temple", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0026-c4" }, { "text": "Temple states that projects handled under this framework would have to use closed-loop cooling.", "verbatim_quote": "All data center projects addressed through this framework would be required to use closed-loop cooling systems.", "source_url": "https://www.templetx.gov/datacenters", "source_title": "Data Center Information Hub, City of Temple", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0026-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0026", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "City of Taylor noticed an amended tax abatement agreement with Compal Technology for a $200 Million electronics project at the Taylor Port Building", "summary": "The City of Taylor published a public notice that its City Council would consider an Amended and Restated Tax Abatement Agreement with Compal Technology, Inc. and PDC TP 01 LOT A LLC at the regularly scheduled meeting on August 13th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The property sits in Reinvestment Zone No. 11, which the city calls the Taylor Port Zone. The notice describes the improvements as the renovation of the Taylor Port Building. It covers the design and manufacture of electronics and related items at an estimated cost of approximately $ 200 Million. Compal already holds a separate Chapter 312 abatement from Williamson County for a server service center in Georgetown. The same contract manufacturer is now the subject of incentive agreements at two levels of Central Texas government. The August 13th vote has not been confirmed against a published minute.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Taylor City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Williamson" ], "metro": "Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-13", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Regularly scheduled Taylor City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. at which the amended abatement was noticed for consideration" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The notice set the item for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on August 13th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Taylor posts these notices under Economic Development Public Notices on taylortx.gov, where the full legal description of Reinvestment Zone No. 11 is available for download.", "url": "https://www.taylortx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2066", "closes": "2026-08-13" }, "claims": [ { "text": "Taylor noticed the amended abatement with Compal and the property owner for the August 13th, 2026 council meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "The City Council of the City of Taylor will consider the approval of an Amended and Restated Tax Abatement agreement with Compal Teechnology, Inc, and PDC TP 01 LOT A LLC at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting on August 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.", "source_url": "https://www.taylortx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2066", "source_title": "Notice of Consideration of Approval of Amended and Restated Tax Abatement Agreement, Taylor, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0027-c1" }, { "text": "The notice describes the improvements as renovation of the Taylor Port Building for electronics design and manufacture.", "verbatim_quote": "A general description of the nature of the improvements included in the tax abatement agreement is the renovation of the Taylor Port Building and other improvements for the design and manufacture of electronics and related items", "source_url": "https://www.taylortx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2066", "source_title": "Notice of Consideration of Approval of Amended and Restated Tax Abatement Agreement, Taylor, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0027-c2" }, { "text": "The notice states the estimated cost of the renovation and other improvements.", "verbatim_quote": "Estimated cost of the renovation of Taylor Port Building and other improvements is approximately $ 200 Million.", "source_url": "https://www.taylortx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2066", "source_title": "Notice of Consideration of Approval of Amended and Restated Tax Abatement Agreement, Taylor, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0027-c3" }, { "text": "The property lies in Reinvestment Zone No. 11, the Taylor Port Zone.", "verbatim_quote": "The name of the Reinvestment Zone in which the property subject to the agreement is located is \"Reinvestment Zone No. 11\" or \"Taylor Port Zone\".", "source_url": "https://www.taylortx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2066", "source_title": "Notice of Consideration of Approval of Amended and Restated Tax Abatement Agreement, Taylor, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0027-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0027", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Hays County Commissioners Court adopted a 180-day emergency water review period for high water use developments and created a review board", "summary": "The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a resolution on June 23rd, 2026 establishing a 180-day emergency water protection review period for high water use development applications, including data centers. The same resolution creates a review board that evaluates those proposals and advises the court. Commissioners voted unanimously. The county has been operating under drought conditions and water use restrictions tied to declining aquifer levels, which is the stated reason for the measure. This is the counter-image to the incentive votes elsewhere in Central Texas, since a county here chose to slow its own review rather than speed it up.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Hays County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Hays" ], "metro": "Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-06-23", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners Court approved the resolution establishing the review period and the review board" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Hays County Commissioners Court meetings are public, live streamed and archived, and the County Clerk records the minutes. Agendas and minutes are posted on the county website, and the review board created by the resolution reports back to the court in open session.", "url": "https://www.hayscountytx.gov/877/Commissioners-Court-Minutes", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Hays County approved a resolution creating a 180-day emergency water protection review period and a review board.", "verbatim_quote": "The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a resolution establishing a 180-day emergency water protection review period for high-usage development applications, including data centers, and creating a review board to evaluate the proposals June 23.", "source_url": "https://communityimpact.com/austin/san-marcos-buda-kyle/government/2026/06/23/hays-county-passes-resolution-pausing-consideration-of-high-water-use-developments-data-centers/", "source_title": "Hays County passes resolution pausing consideration of high-water-use developments, data centers, Community Impact", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0028-c1" }, { "text": "The vote was unanimous and the board evaluates intensive water use developments such as data centers.", "verbatim_quote": "Hays County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to establish a review board to evaluate proposed intensive-water-use developments like data centers.", "source_url": "https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2026-06-23/hays-county-tx-data-centers-water-review-board", "source_title": "Hays County to establish new water board and regulatory standards for data centers, KUT", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0028-c2" }, { "text": "The county's stated context is prolonged drought and declining aquifer levels.", "verbatim_quote": "Hays County has been facing drought conditions and water-use restrictions for a prolonged period of time, resulting from declining aquifer levels and diminishing water availability, according to previous Community Impact reporting.", "source_url": "https://communityimpact.com/austin/san-marcos-buda-kyle/government/2026/06/23/hays-county-passes-resolution-pausing-consideration-of-high-water-use-developments-data-centers/", "source_title": "Hays County passes resolution pausing consideration of high-water-use developments, data centers, Community Impact", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0028-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0028", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Williamson County Commissioners Court granted Compal USA Technology a Chapter 312 abatement for a Georgetown server service center", "summary": "The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a Chapter 312 tax abatement incentive agreement for Compal USA Technology Inc. on April 15th, 2026. The county described the project as a server service center on approximately 33 acres at 1800 Aviation Drive in Georgetown. It is to support enterprise and cloud infrastructure needs, general warehousing and other work in the electronics, technology and medical device industries. Chapter 312 agreements are performance based, so the county does not grant the abatement until the company meets the required measures. The agreement sets a minimum capital investment of $35 million and requires no fewer than 100 full-time employees within three years. If the terms are met the county abates 30% of assessed value for 10 consecutive years, an estimated $526,010 over that period. The City of Georgetown approved its own incentives for Compal on December 9th, 2025.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Williamson County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Williamson" ], "metro": "Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-12-09", "kind": "ordered", "note": "City of Georgetown approved its own incentives for Compal" }, { "date": "2026-04-15", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the Chapter 312 agreement" }, { "date": "2026-08-01", "kind": "statutory_deadline", "note": "Construction start date required by the agreement" }, { "date": "2027-02-18", "kind": "statutory_deadline", "note": "Construction completion date required by the agreement" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The agreement is approved and no comment period remains open. Williamson County publishes the action, the commissioners' statements and county contacts on its public affairs news page at wilcotx.gov. Performance under a Chapter 312 agreement is verified by the county before any abatement is granted.", "url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Williamson County approved a Chapter 312 abatement for Compal USA Technology Inc. in Georgetown.", "verbatim_quote": "The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a Chapter 312 tax abatement incentive agreement for Compal USA Technology Inc. in Georgetown.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c1" }, { "text": "The facility is described as a server service center supporting enterprise and cloud infrastructure, with a minimum capital investment.", "verbatim_quote": "Per the agreement, the total capital investment of the project is a minimum of $35 million for the facility, which will operate a server service center supporting enterprise and cloud infrastructure needs, general warehousing and other activities in the electronics, technology and medical device industries.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c2" }, { "text": "The abatement is performance based and the county withholds it until measures are met.", "verbatim_quote": "Chapter 312 agreements are performance-based agreements. Williamson County does not grant the abatement until the company meets the required performance measures.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c3" }, { "text": "The abatement rate and term are set in the agreement.", "verbatim_quote": "If the terms of the agreement are met, Williamson County will abate 30% of the assessed value of the land and improvements and tangible personal property for 10 consecutive years.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c4" }, { "text": "The county estimated the value of the abatement over its full term.", "verbatim_quote": "The estimated value of the tax abatement on their planned investment in Georgetown would be $526,010 over a 10-year period.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c5" }, { "text": "The agreement sets employment, acreage, location and construction dates.", "verbatim_quote": "According to the agreement, Compal will employ no fewer than 100 full-time employees within three years. Construction will start by Aug. 1, 2026, and be completed by Feb. 18, 2027. The property is located on approximately 33 acres at 1800 Aviation Drive in Georgetown.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c6" }, { "text": "Georgetown had already approved city incentives for the same company.", "verbatim_quote": "The City of Georgetown approved incentives for Compal on Dec. 9, 2025.", "source_url": "https://www.wilcotx.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/789", "source_title": "Williamson County approves incentives for Compal in Georgetown, Williamson County, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0029-c7" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0029", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Austin City Council adopted Ordinance 20260423-029 creating City Code Chapter 2-19 on surveillance technology", "summary": "Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20260423-029 on April 23rd, 2026. It adds a new Chapter 2-19 to Title 2 of the city code, covering how any city department adopts, acquires, deploys, uses and reviews surveillance technology. The ordinance followed Resolution No. 20260205-061 of February 5th, 2026, which directed the City Manager to return to Council with a rule on the city's own use of that technology. The council file records no fiscal impact. Reporting has described the ordinance as banning facial recognition and restricting AI and machine learning tools. That language has not been confirmed against the ordinance text.", "topic": "surveillance-and-policing", "decider": { "name": "Austin City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Travis" ], "metro": "Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-02-05", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Resolution No. 20260205-061 directed the City Manager to return with a surveillance technology ordinance" }, { "date": "2026-04-23", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Ordinance No. 20260423-029 adopted, adding City Code Chapter 2-19" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Austin posts the full agenda and every backup document for each council meeting at austintexas.gov/council. That includes the two draft ordinances, the redline and the individual council members' motion sheets. Council meetings are public. Under the new chapter a department's proposed surveillance technology comes back to council as its own agenda item.", "url": "https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260423-reg", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Council approved an ordinance adding Chapter 2-19 governing surveillance technology used by any city department.", "verbatim_quote": "Approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 2 (Administration) to add a new Chapter 2-19 (Surveillance Technology) relating to the adoption, acquisition, deployment, use, and review of surveillance technology by any City department.", "source_url": "https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260423-reg", "source_title": "April 23, 2026 Austin City Council Regular Meeting, AustinTexas.gov", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0030-c1" }, { "text": "The ordinance carried the number 20260423-029 and was recorded with no fiscal impact.", "verbatim_quote": "Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.", "source_url": "https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260423-reg", "source_title": "April 23, 2026 Austin City Council Regular Meeting, AustinTexas.gov", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0030-c2" }, { "text": "The ordinance followed a February resolution directing the City Manager to draft it.", "verbatim_quote": "Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to return to Council with an ordinance regulating the City's use of surveillance technology.", "source_url": "https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260205-reg", "source_title": "February 5, 2026 Austin City Council Regular Meeting, AustinTexas.gov", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0030-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0030", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "UT System Board of Regents approved a School of Computing at UT Austin uniting computer science, information, statistics and data sciences", "summary": "The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the creation of a School of Computing at The University of Texas at Austin on February 19th, 2026. The school merges computer science, information, statistics and data sciences into a single unit inside the College of Natural Sciences. The university framed the decision as advancing its leadership in computing and artificial intelligence. UT Austin says the school is committed to recruiting and hiring 50 faculty positions. It is slated to open in Fall 2026, so the term now beginning is its first.", "topic": "research-and-science", "decider": { "name": "The University of Texas System Board of Regents", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Travis" ], "metro": "Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-02-19", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Board of Regents approved creation of the School of Computing" }, { "date": "2026-08-12", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Board's next regular meeting, held in Austin on August 12th and 13th, 2026" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "UT System Board of Regents meetings are public and are webcast. The system posts the full agenda book and per-item documents for every meeting at utsystem.edu. The most recent regular meeting was held in Austin on August 12th and August 13th, 2026.", "url": "https://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/meetings", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The Board of Regents approved the creation of the School of Computing at UT Austin.", "verbatim_quote": "AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas System Board of Regents today approved the creation of a new School of Computing at The University of Texas at Austin, a major step in advancing the University's global leadership in computing, data, information and artificial intelligence that increasingly shape our society and economy.", "source_url": "https://news.utexas.edu/2026/02/19/ut-launches-new-school-of-computing-uniting-computer-and-data-science-statistics-information-disciplines/", "source_title": "UT Launches New School of Computing, Uniting Computer and Data Science, Statistics, Information Disciplines, UT Austin News", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0031-c1" }, { "text": "The school merges four existing disciplines into one unit.", "verbatim_quote": "The school will unite the disciplines of computer science, information, statistics and data sciences into a single school.", "source_url": "https://news.utexas.edu/2026/02/19/ut-launches-new-school-of-computing-uniting-computer-and-data-science-statistics-information-disciplines/", "source_title": "UT Launches New School of Computing, Uniting Computer and Data Science, Statistics, Information Disciplines, UT Austin News", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0031-c2" }, { "text": "The university states a faculty hiring commitment for the new school.", "verbatim_quote": "The school is committed to recruiting and hiring 50 faculty positions to educate more of the talent the country needs and generate more of the knowledge required to navigate profound technological change, while leading the nation in developing scientifically rigorous, human-centered approaches to computing, data and information.", "source_url": "https://news.utexas.edu/2026/02/19/ut-launches-new-school-of-computing-uniting-computer-and-data-science-statistics-information-disciplines/", "source_title": "UT Launches New School of Computing, Uniting Computer and Data Science, Statistics, Information Disciplines, UT Austin News", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0031-c3" }, { "text": "The school opens in Fall 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "The new school is slated to open in Fall 2026.", "source_url": "https://news.utexas.edu/2026/02/19/ut-launches-new-school-of-computing-uniting-computer-and-data-science-statistics-information-disciplines/", "source_title": "UT Launches New School of Computing, Uniting Computer and Data Science, Statistics, Information Disciplines, UT Austin News", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0031-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0031", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission voted against a conditional use permit for a $30 million ONMINE data center", "summary": "The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission voted in late April 2026 against a conditional use permit for a $30 million data center proposed by the company ONMINE. City staff had recommended approval. The site is about two and a half acres on South Fort Hood Street on the outskirts of the city. The commission's vote is a recommendation, and the final decision on the zoning rests with the Killeen City Council. Two outlets report the tally differently, one as 4 to 1 to deny and one as 4 to 0 against with a single abstention.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "City of Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Bell" ], "metro": "Killeen-Temple, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-04-28", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Date KWTX reported the commission's denial. The exact commission meeting date was not confirmed from a fetched page, and the reporting places it in late April 2026" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The commission's action is a recommendation only. The zoning decision goes to the Killeen City Council in open session, where a member of the public can speak at the public hearing on the rezoning request.", "url": "https://www.kwtx.com/2026/04/28/killeen-planning-commission-denies-permit-proposed-data-center/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The commission denied the permit against a staff recommendation to approve.", "verbatim_quote": "The commission voted 4-1 to deny the permit for ONMINE's proposed $30 million facility, despite a staff recommendation for approval.", "source_url": "https://www.kwtx.com/2026/04/28/killeen-planning-commission-denies-permit-proposed-data-center/", "source_title": "Killeen planning commission denies permit for proposed data center, KWTX", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0032-c1" }, { "text": "A second outlet records the vote as 4-0 against at a late April meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "At a meeting of the Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission in late April, commissioners voted 4-0 against a $30 million data center project set to be built on the outskirts of the city.", "source_url": "https://texasscorecard.com/local/killeen-planning-zoning-votes-data-center-down/", "source_title": "Killeen Planning & Zoning Votes Data Center Down, Texas Scorecard", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0032-c2" }, { "text": "The site and the developer are named in the reporting.", "verbatim_quote": "The project was planned to occupy two and a half acres on South Fort Hood Street and was to be built by the company ONMINE.", "source_url": "https://texasscorecard.com/local/killeen-planning-zoning-votes-data-center-down/", "source_title": "Killeen Planning & Zoning Votes Data Center Down, Texas Scorecard", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0032-c3" }, { "text": "The council, not the commission, makes the final zoning decision.", "verbatim_quote": "The final decision on the data center zoning will be made by the Killeen City Council, using the commission's vote as a recommendation.", "source_url": "https://texasscorecard.com/local/killeen-planning-zoning-votes-data-center-down/", "source_title": "Killeen Planning & Zoning Votes Data Center Down, Texas Scorecard", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0032-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0032", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "El Paso City Council adopts a Data Center Policy Framework requiring a Special Permit for hyperscale projects", "summary": "The El Paso City Council voted on July 20th, 2026 to adopt a Data Center Policy Framework. The resolution came through a City Council Work Session and passed on a motion by Representative Boyar Trejo. The framework routes future hyperscale data center applications through a Special Permit with public notice, City Plan Commission review and a public hearing. It sets standards on water use, energy demand, noise and lighting. It also eliminates local economic incentives for future hyperscale projects. Implementation has to return to council as ordinance amendments, so the framework by itself changes no rule until those pass. El Paso sits in the Western Interconnection served by El Paso Electric and is not on ERCOT.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "El Paso City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "El Paso" ], "metro": "El Paso, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-06-22", "kind": "filed", "note": "Matter 26-0778 introduced" }, { "date": "2026-07-20", "kind": "ordered", "note": "City Council Work Session approved the resolution adopting the framework" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Implementation returns to City Council as ordinance amendments and Special Permit applications. Each carries public notice, a City Plan Commission hearing and a council vote. Agendas and matter records are published in the city's Legistar system. Council meets in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 North Campbell Street, and virtually.", "url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/15758", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The item El Paso City Council acted on was a resolution adopting the Data Center Policy Framework.", "verbatim_quote": "Discussion and action to approve a Resolution for the adoption of the Data Center Policy Framework.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/15758", "source_title": "City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0778", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0033-c1" }, { "text": "The motion to approve was made by Representative Boyar Trejo and seconded by Representative Limon on July 20th, 2026, and it carried.", "verbatim_quote": "A motion was made by Representative Boyar Trejo, seconded by Representative Limón, to Approve the item. The motion carried by the following vote:", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/15758/Histories", "source_title": "City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0778 Histories", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0033-c2" }, { "text": "The city manager framed the framework as the product of months of public engagement.", "verbatim_quote": "This framework reflects months of listening, public engagement and careful policy development.", "source_url": "https://kvia.com/news/business-technology/2026/07/20/el-paso-city-council-approves-data-center-policy-framework/", "source_title": "El Paso City Council approves data center policy framework, KVIA", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0033-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0033", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "El Paso City Council to vote August 18th on a letter asking Governor Abbott to clarify his data center directives", "summary": "The El Paso City Council has a letter to Governor Greg Abbott set for action at its regular meeting on August 18th, 2026. It seeks clarification on his directives on data center development. The item was introduced on August 11th, 2026 by a member of the City Council. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 North Campbell Street, and virtually. The question underneath it is jurisdictional, because El Paso is served by El Paso Electric in the Western Interconnection and statewide directives written around ERCOT do not automatically reach it.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "El Paso City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "El Paso" ], "metro": "El Paso, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-11", "kind": "filed", "note": "Matter 26-0955 introduced" }, { "date": "2026-08-18", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Regular City Council meeting, 9:00 AM, item scheduled for discussion and action" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Attend the regular City Council meeting on August 18th, 2026 at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers, City Hall, 300 North Campbell Street, or participate virtually. The agenda and the meeting detail page are published in the city's Legistar system.", "url": "https://elpasotexas.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?LEGID=2572&GID=776&G=2431E662-8524-4328-8249-389E26A066A2", "closes": "2026-08-18" }, "claims": [ { "text": "The August 18th, 2026 El Paso City Council agenda carries an item to approve and adopt a letter to Governor Greg Abbott seeking clarification on his data center directives.", "verbatim_quote": "Discussion and action to Approve and Adopt a letter by the El Paso City Council to Texas Governor Greg Abbott seeking clarification on his directives on data center development throughout the State of Texas.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/16074", "source_title": "City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0955", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0034-c1" }, { "text": "The August 18th, 2026 regular City Council meeting is held at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers at City Hall and virtually.", "verbatim_quote": "COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 300 N. CAMPBELL AND VIRTUALLY", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Events?$filter=EventDate+eq+datetime'2026-08-18'", "source_title": "City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Events for 2026-08-18", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0034-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0034", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "El Paso City Council amends its state legislative agenda to seek protection for residential ratepayers from data center utility costs", "summary": "On June 23rd, 2026 the El Paso City Council directed the City Manager to amend the city's 90th Session State Legislative Agenda. The amendment adds advocacy for policy protecting residential ratepayers from the utility costs of data centers. The item cites Governor Greg Abbott's June 10th, 2026 letter to Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson and ERCOT chief executive Pablo Vegas. It also directs the City Manager and City Attorney to determine whether the electric grid El Paso residents use is incorporated under that directive. The motion was made by Representative Fierro, seconded by Representative Chavez, and it carried. El Paso Electric operates in the Western Interconnection, so ratepayer protections built for ERCOT do not reach El Paso customers by default.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "El Paso City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "El Paso" ], "metro": "El Paso, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-06-16", "kind": "filed", "note": "Matter 26-0771 introduced" }, { "date": "2026-06-23", "kind": "ordered", "note": "City Council approved the direction to amend the legislative agenda" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The city's state legislative agenda is set and amended in open City Council meetings at City Hall, 300 North Campbell Street, and virtually. Matter records and votes are published in the city's Legistar system.", "url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/15727", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council item directed the City Manager to amend El Paso's 90th Session State Legislative Agenda to support policy protecting residential ratepayers from data center utility costs, referencing the Governor's June 10th, 2026 letter to the PUCT chairman and the ERCOT chief executive.", "verbatim_quote": "Discussion and action to direct the City Manager to amend the City of El Paso's 90th Session State Legislative Agenda to include advocacy support for policy related to protecting residential ratepayers from utility costs of data centers as proposed by Governor Greg Abbott's letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) Chairman Thomas Gleeson and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas on June 10, 2026. Additionally, direct the City Manager and City Attorney to determine - as per Governor Greg Abbott's immediate directive- that the electrical utility grid that the City of El Paso's residents utilize is incorporated.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/15727", "source_title": "City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0771", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0035-c1" }, { "text": "The item passed on June 23rd, 2026 on a motion by Representative Fierro seconded by Representative Chavez.", "verbatim_quote": "A motion was made by Representative Fierro, seconded by Representative Chávez, to Approve the item. The motion carried by the following vote:", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/elpasotexas/Matters/15727/Histories", "source_title": "City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0771 Histories", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0035-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0035", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Guadalupe County Commissioners Court unanimously approves ending the county's Flock Safety license plate reader contract", "summary": "Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray asked the Commissioners Court for permission to terminate the county's contract with Flock Safety, and the court approved unanimously. Flock cameras read license plates automatically and alert deputies to vehicles of interest. Ray told the court his view of the technology has not changed and that the reason is cost. The county pays to replace cameras that keep getting vandalized while continuing to pay the monthly bill. Guadalupe County sits in the San Antonio metro area between Seguin and New Braunfels.", "topic": "surveillance-and-policing", "decider": { "name": "Guadalupe County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Guadalupe" ], "metro": "San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-04", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners Court approved the sheriff's request to terminate the Flock Safety contract, as reported by the Seguin Gazette" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Guadalupe County Commissioners Court meets in Seguin and publishes agendas and minutes on the county website. The county page states that members of the public may participate and address the governmental body during any telephonic meeting, and it publishes the Zoom connection details alongside the agendas.", "url": "https://www.guadalupetx.gov/page/commcourt.agendas", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The sheriff told the court the cameras work as a law enforcement tool and that what changed was the cost, not his view of the technology.", "verbatim_quote": "My opinion of the technology hasn't changed. What changed is the cost.", "source_url": "https://seguingazette.com/news/sheriff-ends-county-s-flock-safety-contract/article_6747d32d-f659-4c2c-b14a-cac72fd18913.html", "source_title": "Sheriff ends county's Flock Safety contract, Seguin Gazette", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0036-c1" }, { "text": "Under the agreement the county was responsible for replacing damaged cameras, and the sheriff refused to keep buying replacements.", "verbatim_quote": "Under our current agreement, replacing damaged cameras falls on the county, and I refuse to spend your tax dollars replacing equipment that is likely to keep getting torn down, paying again when they come down, and paying the monthly bill in between the whole time.", "source_url": "https://seguingazette.com/news/sheriff-ends-county-s-flock-safety-contract/article_6747d32d-f659-4c2c-b14a-cac72fd18913.html", "source_title": "Sheriff ends county's Flock Safety contract, Seguin Gazette", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0036-c2" }, { "text": "The sheriff named the sum he refused to spend on equipment he expected to be destroyed.", "verbatim_quote": "I'm not spending $45,000 of your money on equipment that won't be standing next year.", "source_url": "https://seguingazette.com/news/sheriff-ends-county-s-flock-safety-contract/article_6747d32d-f659-4c2c-b14a-cac72fd18913.html", "source_title": "Sheriff ends county's Flock Safety contract, Seguin Gazette", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0036-c3" }, { "text": "Public scrutiny of the cameras was part of the sheriff's stated reasoning, and cameras in Seguin were vandalized.", "verbatim_quote": "Every Flock camera in Seguin was vandalized", "source_url": "https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/08/08/guadalupe-county-terminates-contract-with-flock-safety-citing-public-scrutiny/", "source_title": "Guadalupe County approves terminating Flock camera contract, citing vandalism, 'public scrutiny', KSAT", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0036-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0036", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Laredo City Council rejects a data center moratorium and directs staff to draft permanent standards for heavy water and utility users", "summary": "Laredo City Council declined to impose a temporary moratorium on data center permits. It instead directed city management and the city attorney's office, unanimously, to draft permanent regulations for industries that consume large amounts of water or place heavy demand on public utilities. The city attorney told the council that Laredo's existing Land Development Code already prohibits uses that are not specifically permitted. Planning staff reported that neither the city nor Webb County had received an application for a data center. Mayor Victor Trevino held a community town hall on August 11th, 2026 on the proposed regulations.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Laredo City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Webb" ], "metro": "Laredo, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-05", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Council rejected the moratorium and directed staff to draft permanent standards, as reported" }, { "date": "2026-08-11", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Mayor-hosted community town hall on proposed data center regulations" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The draft regulations return to Laredo City Council for public consideration, and the mayor has been holding community town halls on the proposals. Council agendas and matter records are published in the city's Legistar system.", "url": "https://www.kgns.tv/2026/07/31/laredo-council-moves-freeze-data-center-applications-amid-regulatory-gap/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council directed city management and the city attorney's office to draft regulations for large water and utility users.", "verbatim_quote": "city management and the city attorney's office to draft regulations governing industries that require substantial water consumption or place significant demands on public utilities", "source_url": "https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/laredo-texas-moves-to-set-permanent-data-center-standards", "source_title": "Laredo, Texas, Moves to Set Permanent Data Center Standards, Government Technology", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0037-c1" }, { "text": "The city attorney told the council the existing Land Development Code already gives Laredo protection.", "verbatim_quote": "I believe we're well protected at this point in time,", "source_url": "https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/laredo-texas-moves-to-set-permanent-data-center-standards", "source_title": "Laredo, Texas, Moves to Set Permanent Data Center Standards, Government Technology", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0037-c2" }, { "text": "Webb County reported it had received no application for a similar project.", "verbatim_quote": "had also contacted Webb County, which reported it had not received an application for a similar project.", "source_url": "https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/laredo-texas-moves-to-set-permanent-data-center-standards", "source_title": "Laredo, Texas, Moves to Set Permanent Data Center Standards, Government Technology", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0037-c3" }, { "text": "The mayor framed the direction as regulation rather than a halt to development.", "verbatim_quote": "This is not about stopping economic development. It is about ensuring that growth is responsible, sustainable, and in the best long-term interests of our community.", "source_url": "https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/laredo-texas-moves-to-set-permanent-data-center-standards", "source_title": "Laredo, Texas, Moves to Set Permanent Data Center Standards, Government Technology", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0037-c4" }, { "text": "Before the final direction, a council member had publicly called for a moratorium modeled on Harlingen's.", "verbatim_quote": "we need a moratorium on data centers for Laredo, just like the City of Harlingen did... to write the rules for any potential applications that we get.", "source_url": "https://www.kgns.tv/2026/07/31/laredo-council-moves-freeze-data-center-applications-amid-regulatory-gap/", "source_title": "Laredo council moves to freeze data center applications amid regulatory gap, KGNS", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0037-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0037", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Harlingen Waterworks System board approves an effluent water supply agreement with RGV Property LLC for a proposed data center", "summary": "The City of Harlingen Waterworks System board of directors approved a water supply agreement with RGV Property LLC for a supply of effluent water. The water is intended to serve a proposed data center on land outside the Harlingen city limits in Cameron County. General Manager Roy Rodriguez said the company would not use drinking water. The pricing terms reported include a rate per thousand gallons of effluent water and a minimum annual payment tied to average daily volume.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "City of Harlingen Waterworks System Board of Directors", "type": "special-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Cameron" ], "metro": "Brownsville-Harlingen, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-09-22", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Special board meeting at which the water supply agreement was approved, per the board's posted minutes file" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The Harlingen Waterworks System board meets in open session and posts agendas and minutes on hwws.com. The Harlingen City Commission has taken up the same subject in its own open meetings, where residents may sign up to speak.", "url": "https://www.hwws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Minutes-25-09-22-Special.pdf", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The Waterworks general manager said the data center would not use the city's drinking water.", "verbatim_quote": "They're not going to use drinking water — we are aligned with the thought we've got to take care of our precious amount of water.", "source_url": "https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/proposed-harlingen-data-center-4-213100276.html", "source_title": "Proposed Harlingen data center would use 4.6M gallons of sewer water per day, MyRGV via Yahoo News", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0038-c1" }, { "text": "The agreement sets a minimum annual payment tied to average daily effluent volume.", "verbatim_quote": "$1.242 million a year if it averages more than 4.6 million gallons per day at the end of a year.", "source_url": "https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/proposed-harlingen-data-center-4-213100276.html", "source_title": "Proposed Harlingen data center would use 4.6M gallons of sewer water per day, MyRGV via Yahoo News", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0038-c2" }, { "text": "The board's contracting party for the effluent supply is RGV Property LLC.", "verbatim_quote": "a supply of effluent water", "source_url": "https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/proposed-harlingen-data-center-4-213100276.html", "source_title": "Proposed Harlingen data center would use 4.6M gallons of sewer water per day, MyRGV via Yahoo News", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0038-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0038", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "National Science Foundation names UT El Paso in the first round of CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service awards", "summary": "The National Science Foundation announced the first awards under its CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service program on July 28th, 2026. The University of Texas at El Paso is on the list. UTEP's award is for a project on building an AI-integrated cybersecurity workforce. The scholarships cover tuition and pay an academic year stipend. Recipients owe one year of government service for each year of funding. Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Dallas also received inaugural awards, which puts three of the first round institutions in Texas.", "topic": "health-and-education", "decider": { "name": "U.S. National Science Foundation", "type": "federal" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "El Paso" ], "metro": "El Paso, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-28", "kind": "ordered", "note": "NSF announced the first CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service awards" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "Students apply through UTEP's Department of Computer Science. That department publishes eligibility rules, stipend amounts and the service obligation on its Scholarship for Service program page. The award itself was an agency decision with no public comment step.", "url": "https://www.utep.edu/cs/opportunities/sfs_program.html", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "NSF listed The University of Texas at El Paso among the institutions receiving inaugural CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service awards, for a project on building an AI-integrated cybersecurity workforce.", "verbatim_quote": "CyberAI SFS: Building an AI-Integrated Cybersecurity Workforce.", "source_url": "https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-announces-first-awards-advance-ai-cybersecurity", "source_title": "NSF announces first awards to advance AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development through CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service Program", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0039-c1" }, { "text": "NSF framed the program as an investment in talent to secure digital infrastructure and AI-enabled technologies.", "verbatim_quote": "Through the CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service program, NSF is investing in the talent needed to secure today's digital infrastructure and AI-enabled technologies", "source_url": "https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-announces-first-awards-advance-ai-cybersecurity", "source_title": "NSF announces first awards to advance AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development through CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service Program", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0039-c2" }, { "text": "UTEP publishes the academic year stipend for graduate students in the program.", "verbatim_quote": "$37,000 per academic year for graduate students", "source_url": "https://www.utep.edu/cs/opportunities/sfs_program.html", "source_title": "UTEP's CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service Program", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0039-c3" }, { "text": "A Texas US senator described the award as cybersecurity workforce training.", "verbatim_quote": "We must take steps to defend against cyberattacks by training students with the AI and cybersecurity skills needed to protect our critical technology systems.", "source_url": "https://kvia.com/news/2026/07/29/utep-to-receive-nearly-2-million-to-improve-cybersecurity-and-ai-training-senator-john-cornyn/", "source_title": "UTEP to receive nearly $2 million to improve cybersecurity and AI training, KVIA", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0039-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0039", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "UT System Board of Regents approves $25 million to finish San Pedro II for UTSA's College of AI, Cyber and Computing", "summary": "The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved $25 million in Permanent University Fund support for San Pedro II. The money completes the build-out for UT San Antonio's College of AI, Cyber and Computing. The build-out adds approximately 47,748 square feet in the downtown San Antonio building. At the same meeting the board approved $14.3 million for enterprise technology infrastructure modernization at UT San Antonio. That is part of roughly $470 million in capital investments authorized for the university. The board met on May 20th and May 21st, 2026.", "topic": "research-and-science", "decider": { "name": "The University of Texas System Board of Regents", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Bexar" ], "metro": "San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-05-20", "kind": "ordered", "note": "meeting of May 20th and May 21st, 2026 of the UT System Board of Regents" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "UT System Board of Regents meetings are open and are streamed. They are posted as notices of open meeting with agenda books. Meeting materials and archives are published on the UT System website.", "url": "https://advancing.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/meetings/board-meeting-2026-05-20", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The regents approved $25 million in Permanent University Fund support to complete the San Pedro II build-out for the College of AI, Cyber and Computing.", "verbatim_quote": "$25 million in PUF support to complete the build-out of San Pedro II for the College of AI, Cyber and Computing", "source_url": "https://news.utsa.edu/2026/05/ut-system-investments-of-over-470-million-accelerate-ut-san-antonios-rise-as-a-world-class-research-university/", "source_title": "UT System investments of over $470 million accelerate UT San Antonio's rise as a world-class research university, UT San Antonio Today", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0040-c1" }, { "text": "The build-out adds roughly 47,748 square feet.", "verbatim_quote": "approximately 47,748 square feet", "source_url": "https://news.utsa.edu/2026/05/ut-system-investments-of-over-470-million-accelerate-ut-san-antonios-rise-as-a-world-class-research-university/", "source_title": "UT System investments of over $470 million accelerate UT San Antonio's rise as a world-class research university, UT San Antonio Today", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0040-c2" }, { "text": "The total authorized capital investment at UT San Antonio is stated by the university.", "verbatim_quote": "The University of Texas System Board of Regents has authorized approximately $470 million in capital investments supporting UT San Antonio's continued growth as one of the nation's fastest-rising public research universities and academic health institutions.", "source_url": "https://news.utsa.edu/2026/05/ut-system-investments-of-over-470-million-accelerate-ut-san-antonios-rise-as-a-world-class-research-university/", "source_title": "UT System investments of over $470 million accelerate UT San Antonio's rise as a world-class research university, UT San Antonio Today", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0040-c3" }, { "text": "The board also approved technology infrastructure funding at the same meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "$14.3 million in PUF support for enterprise technology infrastructure modernization", "source_url": "https://news.utsa.edu/2026/05/ut-system-investments-of-over-470-million-accelerate-ut-san-antonios-rise-as-a-world-class-research-university/", "source_title": "UT System investments of over $470 million accelerate UT San Antonio's rise as a world-class research university, UT San Antonio Today", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0040-c4" }, { "text": "The meeting at which the approvals were made was the board meeting of May 20th and May 21st, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "May 20-21, 2026 Meeting of the UT System Board of Regents", "source_url": "https://advancing.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/meetings/board-meeting-2026-05-20", "source_title": "May 20-21, 2026 Meeting of the UT System Board of Regents, The University of Texas System", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0040-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0040", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Wichita Falls Planning and Zoning Commission approves a conditional use permit for a DataNovaX data center on Airport Drive", "summary": "The City of Wichita Falls Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use request from DataNovaX. It lets the company put a data center inside an existing building at 2236 Airport Drive on the north side of the city. The building is a former grocery store and call center of about 37,000 square feet. City staff attached conditions rather than approving the use outright, and the largest was a ban on evaporative cooling, which forces an air cooled design and holds water use down. Development Services director Fabian Medellin said the applicant agreed to the limits, which also cover light pollution and electricity use. City officials put the load at 12 megawatts and the investment at an estimated 100 million dollars. The Airport Drive building is a first piece of a larger Pioneer Park project with a much bigger second phase planned.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "City of Wichita Falls Planning and Zoning Commission", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Wichita" ], "metro": "Wichita Falls, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-13", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Date NewsChannel 6 reported the Planning and Zoning Commission approval. The commission's exact meeting date was not confirmed against a city agenda." } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The Planning and Zoning Commission is a public body of the City of Wichita Falls. Its agendas and minutes are posted through the city's Agenda Center, where a resident can find the meeting date, the item and how to speak. A conditional use permit item is heard in open session.", "url": "https://www.wichitafallstx.gov/AgendaCenter", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The commission approved a conditional use request for a data center in an existing Airport Drive building.", "verbatim_quote": "Another data center is coming to Wichita Falls after the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional-use request for an existing building on Airport Drive.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/08/13/datanovax-data-center-approved-airport-drive-wichita-falls/", "source_title": "DataNovaX data center approved for Airport Drive in Wichita Falls", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0041-c1" }, { "text": "The site is a former grocery store and call center of roughly 37,000 square feet at 2236 Airport Drive.", "verbatim_quote": "The project, developed by DataNovaX, will bring a smaller-scale data center to the north side of the city, taking up about 37,000 square feet of a former grocery store and call center at 2236 Airport Drive.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/08/13/datanovax-data-center-approved-airport-drive-wichita-falls/", "source_title": "DataNovaX data center approved for Airport Drive in Wichita Falls", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0041-c2" }, { "text": "City officials put the facility's electricity use at 12 megawatts and the investment at an estimated 100 million dollars.", "verbatim_quote": "The facility is expected to use 12 megawatts of electricity and represents an estimated $100 million investment from DataNovaX, according to city officials.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/08/13/datanovax-data-center-approved-airport-drive-wichita-falls/", "source_title": "DataNovaX data center approved for Airport Drive in Wichita Falls", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0041-c3" }, { "text": "The city banned evaporative cooling as a condition of approval and the applicant accepted the limits.", "verbatim_quote": "\"We did prohibit evaporative cooling systems, so those systems that will be more water-intensive. We wanted to make sure and button down really what they can, can't do. And they were willing to commit to all those limitations on themselves,\" Medellin said.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/08/13/datanovax-data-center-approved-airport-drive-wichita-falls/", "source_title": "DataNovaX data center approved for Airport Drive in Wichita Falls", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0041-c4" }, { "text": "The approved building is a first phase of a larger Pioneer Park project with a much larger expansion planned.", "verbatim_quote": "The Airport Drive facility is part of DataNovaX's larger Pioneer Park project. A second phase is planned for the future and would include a 550,000-square-foot expansion.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/08/13/datanovax-data-center-approved-airport-drive-wichita-falls/", "source_title": "DataNovaX data center approved for Airport Drive in Wichita Falls", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0041-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0041", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Young County Commissioners Court receives the Project Saltworks tax abatement application and ratifies a developer funded escrow for consultants", "summary": "Young County Commissioners Court formally received a tax abatement application from Headwaters Site Development for the Project Saltworks data center campus at the courthouse in Graham on August 10th, 2026. That agenda item required no vote, and County Judge Win Graham said he would hand the application to the county clerk so it becomes a public document. Commissioners did vote to ratify a separate escrow agreement under which the developer puts up 250,000 dollars to pay for the county's outside consultants while it evaluates the project. Residents used public comment to ask the court to slow down and wait for the Legislature before granting any incentive. Commissioner Alan Craig said the application contained no specifics and that the court would know more when it convenes again on August 17th.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Young County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Young" ], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-10", "kind": "filed", "note": "County received Headwaters Site Development's tax abatement application for Project Saltworks and voted 5 to 0 to ratify the escrow agreement" }, { "date": "2026-08-17", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Commissioners Court reconvenes to begin considering the abatement request, per Commissioner Alan Craig" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The Commissioners Court meets in open session at the Young County Courthouse in Graham and takes public comment before acting. Residents used that period at the August 10th meeting to press commissioners on roads, water, emergency services and environmental studies. The abatement application is now a public document held by the county clerk.", "url": "https://www.olneyenterprise.com/news/county-votes-data-center-abatement", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The county formally received the developer's tax abatement application on August 10th while opponents urged commissioners to reject incentives.", "verbatim_quote": "GRAHAM — Young County Commissioners took another step toward negotiations over the proposed Project Saltworks data center campus on Aug. 10, formally receiving a tax abatement application from the project's developer while opponents again urged county officials to slow down or reject incentives altogether.", "source_url": "https://www.olneyenterprise.com/news/county-votes-data-center-abatement", "source_title": "County Votes on Data Center Abatement | Olney Enterprise", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0042-c1" }, { "text": "Commissioners voted unanimously to ratify an escrow agreement funding the county's consultants.", "verbatim_quote": "Commissioners did vote 5-0 to ratify a separate escrow agreement under which Headwaters will provide $250,000 to cover the county's costs for consultants as it evaluates the project.", "source_url": "https://www.olneyenterprise.com/news/county-votes-data-center-abatement", "source_title": "County Votes on Data Center Abatement | Olney Enterprise", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0042-c2" }, { "text": "Receiving the application is not an approval of any abatement.", "verbatim_quote": "The receipt of the abatement application does not mean commissioners have approved a tax abatement for Project Saltworks.", "source_url": "https://www.olneyenterprise.com/news/county-votes-data-center-abatement", "source_title": "County Votes on Data Center Abatement | Olney Enterprise", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0042-c3" }, { "text": "A commissioner said the request carried no specifics and that the court would take it up the following Monday.", "verbatim_quote": "\"There's no meat in the sandwich right now. That will likely change starting next Monday.\"", "source_url": "https://www.olneyenterprise.com/news/county-votes-data-center-abatement", "source_title": "County Votes on Data Center Abatement | Olney Enterprise", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0042-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0042", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Archer County Commissioners Court unanimously denies a tax abatement for a Dynamo Ventures data center", "summary": "Archer County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on June 22nd, 2026 against a tax abatement for a data center proposed by Dynamo Ventures LLC. More than 30 residents packed the courthouse to oppose the incentive. County officials said the abatement was the leverage the county had for negotiating infrastructure improvements, local hiring and other commitments, so denying it gave that leverage away. County Judge Randy Jackson said he wants to see what restrictions the Legislature imposes before he would consider any reduction in local tax revenue. The denial does not stop the project from moving forward.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Archer County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Archer" ], "metro": "Wichita Falls, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-06-22", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners voted unanimously against the proposed abatement at a Monday Commissioners Court meeting, reported the same day" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The Commissioners Court heard residents in open session before the vote. County officials told opponents to take their case to state lawmakers, because the county has no further tool once an abatement is off the table.", "url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/06/22/archer-county-commissioners-deny-tax-abatement-proposed-data-center/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Commissioners voted unanimously against the abatement after hearing residents.", "verbatim_quote": "ARCHER COUNTY, Texas (KAUZ) - Archer County Commissioners unanimously voted Monday against a proposed tax abatement for a data center project planned in the county after hearing concerns from residents during a packed Commissioners Court meeting.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/06/22/archer-county-commissioners-deny-tax-abatement-proposed-data-center/", "source_title": "Archer County Commissioners deny tax abatement for proposed data center", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0043-c1" }, { "text": "More than 30 residents attended to oppose the incentive tied to the Dynamo Ventures development.", "verbatim_quote": "More than 30 residents attended the meeting to voice opposition to the tax incentive tied to the proposed development by Dynamo Ventures LLC.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/06/22/archer-county-commissioners-deny-tax-abatement-proposed-data-center/", "source_title": "Archer County Commissioners deny tax abatement for proposed data center", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0043-c2" }, { "text": "County officials said the abatement would have been the county's negotiating leverage.", "verbatim_quote": "County officials said the tax abatement could have provided the county with leverage during negotiations with the developer, potentially helping secure infrastructure improvements, local hiring, and other commitments.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/06/22/archer-county-commissioners-deny-tax-abatement-proposed-data-center/", "source_title": "Archer County Commissioners deny tax abatement for proposed data center", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0043-c3" }, { "text": "The county judge said he wants to see legislative restrictions before considering any abatement.", "verbatim_quote": "\"The Texas Legislature may put some restrictions on how they operate before, during and after the construction and I would like to see what those restrictions are going to be and how stringent they're going to be before I would agree or even consider any kind of abatement,\" Jackson said.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/06/22/archer-county-commissioners-deny-tax-abatement-proposed-data-center/", "source_title": "Archer County Commissioners deny tax abatement for proposed data center", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0043-c4" }, { "text": "The denial does not halt the project.", "verbatim_quote": "While the vote denied the tax abatement request, it does not stop the project from moving forward.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel6now.com/2026/06/22/archer-county-commissioners-deny-tax-abatement-proposed-data-center/", "source_title": "Archer County Commissioners deny tax abatement for proposed data center", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0043-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0043", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Angelina County Commissioners Court adopts Resolution 010-26 asking the Legislature for authority over data centers", "summary": "Angelina County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on July 14th, 2026 to adopt Resolution 010-26. It asks the Texas Legislature to grant counties specific powers over large scale industrial development that local government currently can't reach. The requests include buffer and setback rules, noise and heat attenuation standards, light pollution limits, water impact statements and public hearings. County Judge Keith Wright framed the problem plainly. Without an abatement the county has no control over a data center at all. He also said the ask was kept narrow on purpose because a broad one would fail. The resolution carries no force by itself and lands with a Legislature that is not in regular session.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Angelina County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Angelina" ], "metro": "Lufkin, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-14", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners Court unanimously approved Resolution 010-26 at its regular Tuesday session in Lufkin" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Angelina County posts Commissioners Court agendas, minutes and meeting videos on its Commissioners Court page. The court meets in the courtroom and annex at 211 East Shepherd Avenue in Lufkin. Judge Wright told residents every decision has to be made by the court in public.", "url": "https://www.angelinacounty.net/comcourt/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Commissioners voted unanimously to ask the Legislature for limited authority to regulate data centers.", "verbatim_quote": "Angelina County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to formally ask the Texas Legislature for limited authority to regulate data centers.", "source_url": "https://www.kltv.com/2026/07/14/angelina-county-commissioners-vote-ask-state-authority-regulate-data-centers/", "source_title": "Angelina County commissioners vote to ask state for authority to regulate data centers", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0044-c1" }, { "text": "The measure is Resolution 010-26 and it seeks county powers over large scale industrial development.", "verbatim_quote": "The court approved Resolution 010-26, which requests that the state grant counties specific powers to oversee large-scale industrial developments that are currently beyond local control.", "source_url": "https://www.kltv.com/2026/07/14/angelina-county-commissioners-vote-ask-state-authority-regulate-data-centers/", "source_title": "Angelina County commissioners vote to ask state for authority to regulate data centers", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0044-c2" }, { "text": "The county judge said that without an abatement the county has no control over a data center.", "verbatim_quote": "\"If we can't get an abatement, if there's not going to be an abatement, then there are zero control that we have over these data centers.\"", "source_url": "https://www.kltv.com/2026/07/14/angelina-county-commissioners-vote-ask-state-authority-regulate-data-centers/", "source_title": "Angelina County commissioners vote to ask state for authority to regulate data centers", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0044-c3" }, { "text": "The county judge said the ask was deliberately limited to what the county thought it could win.", "verbatim_quote": "\"You can always ask for a lot, but we tried to limit to what we thought we could get.\"", "source_url": "https://www.kltv.com/2026/07/14/angelina-county-commissioners-vote-ask-state-authority-regulate-data-centers/", "source_title": "Angelina County commissioners vote to ask state for authority to regulate data centers", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0044-c4" }, { "text": "The county judge said commissioners do not want unfettered development in rural East Texas.", "verbatim_quote": "\"Just because it's rural East Texas and rural areas outside of a city, I don't think they should just have unfettered access to do whatever they want.\"", "source_url": "https://lufkindailynews.com/news/local/angelina-county-seeks-greater-authority-over-data-center-development/article_fd27c36a-51de-595b-9bf4-58e8634b6641.html", "source_title": "Angelina County seeks greater authority over data center development", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0044-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0044", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Lubbock County Commissioners Court passes a non binding disclosure resolution on large scale industrial development, four to one", "summary": "Lubbock County Commissioners Court passed a non binding resolution on August 10th, 2026. It asks large scale industrial developers to disclose expected water use, electricity use and infrastructure impacts before building in the unincorporated county. The discussion centered on data centers, though the wording reaches any major business. County Judge Curtis Parrish cast the lone vote against it. He said the resolution should be tailored to data centers if data centers are the concern. The resolution states on its face that it creates no county authority. Commissioner Jason Corley said flatly during the meeting that resolutions are not binding.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Lubbock County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Lubbock" ], "metro": "Lubbock, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-10", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners Court passed the resolution four to one at a public Monday meeting" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The Commissioners Court took the item up at a public meeting where residents gathered to hear it, and the debate over the wording happened in open session. Members of the public attend the court in the Lubbock County courtroom.", "url": "https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/10/lubbock-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-regarding-large-scale-industrial-development-texas/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The resolution passed with one dissenting vote, the county judge's.", "verbatim_quote": "The resolution passed four to one, with only judge Curtis Parrish voting against it due to its language.", "source_url": "https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/10/lubbock-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-regarding-large-scale-industrial-development-texas/", "source_title": "Lubbock county commissioners pass resolution regarding large-scale industrial development in Texas", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0045-c1" }, { "text": "The resolution asks any large business to disclose water and electricity use, not only data centers.", "verbatim_quote": "This discussion mostly centered around data centers potentially being built in unincorporated parts of the county, but the wording opens it up for any major business to disclose how much water and electricity it would use for its projects.", "source_url": "https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/10/lubbock-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-regarding-large-scale-industrial-development-texas/", "source_title": "Lubbock county commissioners pass resolution regarding large-scale industrial development in Texas", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0045-c2" }, { "text": "The resolution creates no new county power and cannot pause a privately financed project.", "verbatim_quote": "Nothing in this non-binding resolution creates or expands county authority. It does not require the county to take any action or authorize the county to prohibit, suspend, delay, or impose a moratorium on a privately financed project, except as expressly permitted by Texas law.", "source_url": "https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/10/lubbock-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-regarding-large-scale-industrial-development-texas/", "source_title": "Lubbock county commissioners pass resolution regarding large-scale industrial development in Texas", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0045-c3" }, { "text": "The county judge objected that the language was not tailored to data centers.", "verbatim_quote": "\"If the concern is about data centers, let's make sure this resolution is tailored to data centers,\" Parrish said.", "source_url": "https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/10/lubbock-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-regarding-large-scale-industrial-development-texas/", "source_title": "Lubbock county commissioners pass resolution regarding large-scale industrial development in Texas", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0045-c4" }, { "text": "A commissioner said during the meeting that resolutions accomplish nothing.", "verbatim_quote": "Resolutions do nothing, they are not binding.", "source_url": "https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/10/lubbock-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-regarding-large-scale-industrial-development-texas/", "source_title": "Lubbock county commissioners pass resolution regarding large-scale industrial development in Texas", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0045-c5" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0045", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Carson County Commissioners Court approves a phased tax abatement agreement with Fermi America for the Project Matador HyperGrid campus", "summary": "Carson County Commissioners Court approved a tax abatement agreement with Fermi America for the Project Matador HyperGrid campus in the Texas Panhandle. The agreement is two sided and pays the county on both ends of the same facility. Fermi pays 3 dollars per square foot of data center improvements and from 2,500 to 2,750 dollars per megawatt of generating capacity. County Judge Dan Looten said the agreement covers 15 phases and could extend up to 25 years. Each completed phase enters its own 10 year abatement. Yearly training with local EMS and first responders is written into the deal. This corner of the Panhandle sits in the Southwest Power Pool rather than ERCOT, so the ERCOT interconnection and reliability rules a Texas reader would assume do not govern here.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Carson County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Carson" ], "metro": "Amarillo, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-10-28", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Date NewsChannel 10 reported the Carson County Commissioners Court approval of the abatement agreement. The exact meeting date was not confirmed against a county record." } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The commissioners approved the agreement during a public meeting at which residents raised water use and nuclear questions. The Commissioners Court is the venue for any further phase approvals under the agreement.", "url": "https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/10/28/carson-county-approves-tax-abatement-fermi-america-development/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Carson County commissioners approved a tax abatement agreement with Fermi America in a public meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "CARSON COUNTY (KFDA) — Carson County commissioners approved a tax abatement agreement with Fermi America during a public meeting for a major development project.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/10/28/carson-county-approves-tax-abatement-fermi-america-development/", "source_title": "Carson County approves tax abatement for Fermi America development", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0046-c1" }, { "text": "The abatement pays the county per square foot of data center and per megawatt of generation.", "verbatim_quote": "The abatement for the data centers is set at $3 per square foot and the generation side ranges from $2,500 to $2,750 per megawatt.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/10/28/carson-county-approves-tax-abatement-fermi-america-development/", "source_title": "Carson County approves tax abatement for Fermi America development", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0046-c2" }, { "text": "The agreement spans 15 phases and could run up to 25 years.", "verbatim_quote": "The abatement agreement covers 15 phases of development, but it could extend for up to 25 years.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/10/28/carson-county-approves-tax-abatement-fermi-america-development/", "source_title": "Carson County approves tax abatement for Fermi America development", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0046-c3" }, { "text": "The county judge described each completed phase entering its own ten year abatement.", "verbatim_quote": "\"The abatement agreement we just signed was for 15 phases, so when they complete so many buildings and so much generation we will have a COD on that portion of that phase, and that phase will go into a 10 year abatement agreement,\" said Looten.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/10/28/carson-county-approves-tax-abatement-fermi-america-development/", "source_title": "Carson County approves tax abatement for Fermi America development", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0046-c4" }, { "text": "Annual training with local EMS and first responders is part of the abatement agreement.", "verbatim_quote": "In the abatement, yearly training with local EMS and first responders is included as part of the agreement.", "source_url": "https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/10/28/carson-county-approves-tax-abatement-fermi-america-development/", "source_title": "Carson County approves tax abatement for Fermi America development", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0046-c5" }, { "text": "The Texas Panhandle including Amarillo is in the Southwest Power Pool footprint, not ERCOT.", "verbatim_quote": "The SPP grid covers Oklahoma, Kansas, portions of Arkansas, Louisiana and the Texas Panhandle and parts of northeast Texas, including the cities of Amarillo, Lubbock, Texarkana, Longview and Marshall.", "source_url": "https://www.aect.net/southwest-power-pool-spp", "source_title": "Southwest Power Pool (SPP) — Association of Electric Companies of Texas", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0046-c6" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0046", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Amarillo City Council authorizes a twenty year water supply agreement selling city water to Fermi America's Project Matador", "summary": "Amarillo City Council voted five to nothing on first reading to authorize a water supply agreement with Fermi America, then took the required second reading later that month. Under the terms the city posted itself, Fermi may buy up to 2.5 million gallons of water per day at a rate twice the standard cost. Fermi pays for the wells, piping and other public improvements. The campus is not in the city. It sits next to Pantex about 35 miles north of the Amarillo city limits in Carson County. The city says it has adequate water resources for that volume without affecting the community's water supply or triggering changes to its drought contingency plans. This is a municipally owned utility selling water outside its own limits, which puts the decision in a council chamber rather than at a state agency. The Panhandle grid around it is the Southwest Power Pool rather than ERCOT.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Amarillo City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Potter", "Randall", "Carson" ], "metro": "Amarillo, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-10-28", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Second reading of the water supply agreement scheduled by the City of Amarillo, per the city's Fermi Project page" }, { "date": "2025-10-30", "kind": "signed", "note": "The city posts a document titled Final Fermi Water Supply Agreement 10-30-2025 on its Fermi Project page" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The council took public comment before the vote. The City of Amarillo maintains a Fermi Project page carrying the final water supply agreement, the non binding memorandum of understanding and an FAQ. A resident can read the executed terms rather than a summary of them.", "url": "https://www.amarillo.gov/fermi-project/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Council members voted five to nothing on a resolution authorizing the water supply agreement.", "verbatim_quote": "Council members then voted 5-0 on a resolution authorizing a water supply agreement with Fermi, a company co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.", "source_url": "https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/worlds-largest-ai-data-center-big-topic-amarillo-city-council-meeting-fermi-america-impact-water-envornment-public-comment-water-supply-ogallala-aquifer", "source_title": "Watch: World's largest AI data center big topic of Amarillo City Council meeting", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c1" }, { "text": "A second reading and vote was required before the agreement became official.", "verbatim_quote": "There will be a second reading and vote in two weeks before anything is official.", "source_url": "https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/worlds-largest-ai-data-center-big-topic-amarillo-city-council-meeting-fermi-america-impact-water-envornment-public-comment-water-supply-ogallala-aquifer", "source_title": "Watch: World's largest AI data center big topic of Amarillo City Council meeting", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c2" }, { "text": "The agreement lets Fermi buy up to 2.5 million gallons per day at twice the standard rate, subject to second reading on October 28th, 2025.", "verbatim_quote": "If approved on second reading (scheduled for October 28, 2025), this agreement would allow Fermi to purchase up to 2.5 million gallons of water per day at a rate twice the standard cost.", "source_url": "https://www.amarillo.gov/fermi-project/", "source_title": "Fermi Project Updates - City of Amarillo", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c3" }, { "text": "The city asserts it has adequate water for the volume without affecting community supply or drought plans.", "verbatim_quote": "The City of Amarillo has adequate water resources to meet Fermi America's proposed usage without affecting the community's water supply or triggering changes to existing drought contingency plans.", "source_url": "https://www.amarillo.gov/fermi-project/", "source_title": "Fermi Project Updates - City of Amarillo", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c4" }, { "text": "The campus is outside the city, next to Pantex in Carson County.", "verbatim_quote": "The campus would be located next to Pantex, about 35 miles north of Amarillo city limits in Carson County.", "source_url": "https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/worlds-largest-ai-data-center-big-topic-amarillo-city-council-meeting-fermi-america-impact-water-envornment-public-comment-water-supply-ogallala-aquifer", "source_title": "Watch: World's largest AI data center big topic of Amarillo City Council meeting", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c5" }, { "text": "Fermi's SEC filing described a letter of intent for a larger daily volume than the executed agreement.", "verbatim_quote": "In its filing with the SEC for an initial public offering (IPO), Fermi said it entered into a letter of intent with the Amarillo Utilities Department to use between 2.5 and 5.5 million gallons per day of both potable and municipal graywater supplies to serve the Project Matador Site.", "source_url": "https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/worlds-largest-ai-data-center-big-topic-amarillo-city-council-meeting-fermi-america-impact-water-envornment-public-comment-water-supply-ogallala-aquifer", "source_title": "Watch: World's largest AI data center big topic of Amarillo City Council meeting", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c6" }, { "text": "Amarillo is inside the Southwest Power Pool footprint rather than ERCOT.", "verbatim_quote": "The SPP grid covers Oklahoma, Kansas, portions of Arkansas, Louisiana and the Texas Panhandle and parts of northeast Texas, including the cities of Amarillo, Lubbock, Texarkana, Longview and Marshall.", "source_url": "https://www.aect.net/southwest-power-pool-spp", "source_title": "Southwest Power Pool (SPP) — Association of Electric Companies of Texas", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0047-c7" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0047", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "League City City Council ordered a November 3rd special election on whether police may keep using automated license plate reader cameras", "summary": "On August 11th, 2026 the League City City Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-27 on first and final reading. The ordinance orders a special election on November 3rd, 2026. It asks voters about the police department's continued use of automated license plate reader cameras at fixed locations on public roadways. Mayor Long sponsored the item and asked for approval on first and final reading. Council member Courtney Chadwell moved it and the council passed it twice that evening, once on first reading and once on first and final reading. Voters rather than the council will now settle whether the cameras stay. Reporting in the Houston region identifies the cameras as Flock Safety devices.", "topic": "surveillance-and-policing", "decider": { "name": "League City City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Galveston" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-05", "kind": "filed", "note": "Introduced as the election order file, internally named Election Order - Flock Camera Prop" }, { "date": "2026-08-11", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-27 on first and final reading" }, { "date": "2026-11-03", "kind": "effective", "note": "Date of the special election set by the ordinance" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "League City City Council meets in Council Chambers at 200 West Walker Street. The next regular meeting on the city's Legistar calendar is August 25th, 2026 at 6:00 PM with a Council Budget and CIP Workshop at 5:00 PM. The decision itself now goes to registered voters at the November 3rd, 2026 election.", "url": "https://leaguecity.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx", "closes": "2026-11-03" }, "claims": [ { "text": "League City ordered a special election for November 3, 2026 on a proposition about police use of fixed automated license plate reader cameras.", "verbatim_quote": "Consider and take action on an ordinance ordering a Special Election for the City of League City, Texas, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to submit a proposition regarding the League City Police Department's continued use of automated license plate reader cameras at fixed locations on public roadways for law enforcement purposes (Mayor Long) Sponsor requests approval on first and final reading.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/leaguecity/matters/13827", "source_title": "Legistar API, City of League City, Matter 13827 (File 26-0320)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0048-c1" }, { "text": "The council approved the ordinance on first and final reading at its August 11, 2026 meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "A motion was made by Mr. Chadwell, seconded by Mr. Cones, to approve Ordinance No. 2026-27 on First and Final Reading", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/leaguecity/matters/13827/histories", "source_title": "Legistar API, City of League City, Matter 13827 histories", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0048-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0048", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Harris County Commissioners Court renewed its Flock Group license plate reader and sound detection contract, then amended it to run county-wide", "summary": "Harris County Commissioners Court approved a renewal option with Flock Group, Inc. for a license plate reader and sound detection system on May 28th, 2026 as agenda item 86. The renewal covers a period running from June 6th, 2026 to June 5th, 2027 at a cost of $868,975. Commissioner Ellis moved approval and Commissioner Garcia seconded. On July 9th, 2026 the court approved a follow up amendment that supplements certain terms and clarifies that the agreement is available for use County-wide at no additional cost. Local reporting on the May vote says the item passed with four votes and that County Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained after residents spoke against it.", "topic": "surveillance-and-policing", "decider": { "name": "Harris County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Harris" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-05-18", "kind": "filed", "note": "Renewal item introduced as the renewal file" }, { "date": "2026-05-28", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners Court approved the renewal as agenda item 86" }, { "date": "2026-06-06", "kind": "effective", "note": "Start of the contract period stated in the approved item" }, { "date": "2026-07-09", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Court approved the amendment making the agreement available county-wide at no additional cost" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Commissioners Court meets at 1001 Preston Street, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002. A member of the public who wants to address the court submits an Appearance Request Form. The agenda site lists a Special Meeting on August 17th, 2026 and a Business Court Meeting on August 25th, 2026, both at 9:00 AM. It also offers agenda search and email delivery.", "url": "https://agenda.harriscountytx.gov/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Harris County approved a one year renewal with Flock Group, Inc. for license plate reader and sound detection at a stated cost of $868,975.", "verbatim_quote": "Request for approval of a renewal option with Flock Group, Inc. for license plate reader and sound detection system for Harris County for the period of June 6, 2026 - June 5, 2027, at a cost of $868,975 (220336), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Non-Divisible.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/harriscountytx/matters/45396", "source_title": "Legistar API, Harris County, Matter 45396 (File 26-3368)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0049-c1" }, { "text": "The renewal was moved by Commissioner Ellis and seconded by Commissioner Garcia on May 28, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "A motion was made by Commissioner Ellis, seconded by Commissioner Garcia, that this item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/harriscountytx/matters/45396/histories", "source_title": "Legistar API, Harris County, Matter 45396 histories", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0049-c2" }, { "text": "On July 9, 2026 the court amended the same agreement to clarify it is available county-wide at no additional cost.", "verbatim_quote": "Request that the County Judge execute an amendment to an agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to supplement certain terms and clarify that the agreement is available for use County-wide for license plate reader and sound detection system for Harris County for the period of June 6, 2026 - June 5, 2027, at no additional cost (220336), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Non-Divisible.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/harriscountytx/matters/46234", "source_title": "Legistar API, Harris County, Matter 46234 (File 26-4210)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0049-c3" }, { "text": "The county judge abstained and the renewal carried with four votes.", "verbatim_quote": "The contract ultimately passed with four votes. Hidalgo abstained.", "source_url": "https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/05/29/'y'all-are-playing-games':-discussion-over-harris-county's-flock-camera-contract-renewal-turns-tense/", "source_title": "KPRC Click2Houston, discussion over Harris County's Flock camera contract renewal turns tense", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0049-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0049", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Corpus Christi City Council directed staff to write a zoning amendment prohibiting data centers in every zoning district and to prepare a moratorium process", "summary": "The Corpus Christi City Council passed a motion on July 21st, 2026 as agenda item 18, moved by Council Member Gilbert Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Carolyn Vaughn. The motion tells staff to initiate a Unified Development Code amendment defining data centers as a distinct principal land use. Staff are also to amend the zoning and permitted use tables to prohibit them in all districts. It also directs an extraterritorial jurisdiction and infrastructure protection policy. Under it a data center would fully fund its own infrastructure, provide verified water and wastewater planning and address electric and backup power impacts. It would need separate City Council approval before receiving city utility service or economic development incentives. A third part directs the statutory notice, hearing and findings work needed before the council could consider a temporary development moratorium. Nothing is prohibited yet because the motion only starts that process. The same meeting carried a staff briefing on data centers that included an overview of Governor Abbott's recent guidelines.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Corpus Christi City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Nueces" ], "metro": "Corpus Christi, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-15", "kind": "filed", "note": "Motion introduced as the motion file" }, { "date": "2026-07-21", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Council passed the motion as agenda item 18" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The city publishes agendas, minutes and live video through its Legistar agenda program and streams meetings on the city's YouTube channel. The agendas and minutes page links a Public Comment Procedures page and gives 3-1-1 or 361-826-2489 for help. Staff recommendations on the data center code amendment come back to a future council meeting.", "url": "https://www.corpuschristitx.gov/our-government/agendas-and-minutes/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council directed staff to define data centers as a distinct land use and prohibit them in all zoning districts, to build an infrastructure protection policy, and to prepare the process for a temporary moratorium.", "verbatim_quote": "Motion to direct staff regarding data center classification and parameters, as requested by Council Members Kaylynn Paxson, Gil Hernandez, and Carolyn Vaughn: 1. Initiate a Unified Development Code amendment to define data centers as a distinct principal land use and amend the City's zoning and permitted-use tables to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts, rather than allowing them to be approved by default under existing office, data processing, utility, warehouse, industrial, or similar land-use categories. 2. An ETJ, utility, infrastructure, and public facilities protection policy requiring data centers and similar high-intensity digital infrastructure projects to enter into an IDA and to fully fund their own infrastructure needs, prevent cost-shifting to residents and ratepayers, provide verified water and wastewater planning, address electric and backup power impacts, mitigate community impacts, and receive separate City Council approval before receiving City utility service, infrastructure participation, development agreement approval, or economic development incentives. 3. The statutory notice, hearing, findings, and ordinance preparation process necessary for City Council consideration of a temporary development moratorium related to data centers and similar high-intensity digital infrastructure use.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/corpuschristi/matters/26218", "source_title": "Legistar API, City of Corpus Christi, Matter 26218 (File 26-1152)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0050-c1" }, { "text": "The same July 21, 2026 council meeting included a data center briefing covering the Governor's recent guidelines.", "verbatim_quote": "Briefing on Data Centers, including overview of Governor Abbott's recent guidelines.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/corpuschristi/matters?$filter=substringof(%27Data%20Center%27,MatterTitle)&$orderby=MatterIntroDate%20desc&$top=20", "source_title": "Legistar API, City of Corpus Christi, matters matching Data Center (Matter 26223, File 26-1157)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0050-c2" }, { "text": "The motion does not itself ban data centers in the city.", "verbatim_quote": "The motion does not ban data centers in Corpus Christi. It directs staff to develop possible policy options and bring those recommendations back to city council.", "source_url": "https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/corpus-christi/corpus-christi-city-council-moves-to-develop-data-center-regulations-for-the-city", "source_title": "KRIS 6 News, Corpus Christi city council moves to develop data center regulations for the city", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0050-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0050", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Brazoria County Commissioners Court voted 5 to 0 to deny the reinvestment zone that four data center and power plant abatement applications depended on", "summary": "Brazoria County Commissioners Court opened and closed a public hearing on the creation of Brazoria County Reinvestment Zone No. 26-01 on March 10th, 2026 and then refused to create the zone. Commissioner David R. Linder moved to deny the order and Commissioner Stacy L. Adams seconded. The county's own minute note records that the motion to deny passed 5 to 0. Later items on the same agenda were four tax abatement applications, two from Bulldog Power and two from Old Ocean Datacenter. Each of those items carries the same note in the record. No action was taken because the reinvestment zone item had failed. Killing the zone killed the abatements without a separate vote on any one of them.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Brazoria County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Brazoria" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-02-10", "kind": "filed", "note": "Orders setting hearing dates on the four abatement applications introduced" }, { "date": "2026-03-10", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Public hearing on creation of Brazoria County Reinvestment Zone No. 26-01 opened and closed" }, { "date": "2026-03-10", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Court denied creation of the reinvestment zone, and the four abatement items were left with no action" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Commissioners Court meetings, agendas, agenda packets and minutes are published through the county's Legistar site. The site lists a Special Session on August 25th, 2026 at 9:00 AM as the next posted meeting after a Regular Session on August 11th, 2026.", "url": "https://brazoriacountytx.legistar.com/MainBody.aspx", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The court denied the order creating Brazoria County Reinvestment Zone No. 26-01 on a unanimous motion to deny.", "verbatim_quote": "Commissioner Linder made a motion to deny order 1.3, Commissioner Adams seconded. Motion to deny passed 5-0.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/brazoriacountytx/events/6219/eventitems?AgendaNote=1&MinutesNote=1&Attachments=0", "source_title": "Legistar API, Brazoria County Commissioners Court, event 6219 agenda items for March 10, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0051-c1" }, { "text": "The abatement items that followed received no action because the zone item failed.", "verbatim_quote": "No action taken due to I.3 failed", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/brazoriacountytx/events/6219/eventitems?AgendaNote=1&MinutesNote=1&Attachments=0", "source_title": "Legistar API, Brazoria County Commissioners Court, event 6219 agenda items for March 10, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0051-c2" }, { "text": "The affected applicants included two entities named as data center companies and two named as power companies.", "verbatim_quote": "Granting Tax Abatement of Old Ocean Datacenter LLC", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/brazoriacountytx/matters?$filter=substringof(%27Data%20Center%27,MatterTitle)%20or%20substringof(%27Abatement%27,MatterTitle)&$orderby=MatterIntroDate%20desc&$top=40", "source_title": "Legistar API, Brazoria County, matters matching Data Center or Abatement (Matter 4459, File 18156)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0051-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0051", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Brazoria County Commissioners Court adopted a resolution stating conditions it wants on data center development", "summary": "On June 9th, 2026 Brazoria County Commissioners Court adopted a measure on data center development. Its own agenda system records it as a resolution about data centers and related facilities in Texas. The item was introduced on May 29th, 2026, reached the court and was approved. Reporting on the resolution says the court supports responsible economic development, including appropriately designed and sited data centers. It also says no future data center should proceed without an independent impact assessment. A county resolution is not an ordinance and Texas counties have no zoning power outside city limits, so this sets a stated position rather than a rule. It came from the same court that had already refused the reinvestment zone behind the Old Ocean Datacenter and Bulldog Power abatement applications.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Brazoria County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Brazoria" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-05-29", "kind": "filed", "note": "Resolution introduced as file 18483" }, { "date": "2026-06-09", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Court approved the resolution as the first agenda item" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Agendas, agenda packets, minutes and the signed resolution attachment are published on the county's Legistar site. The next posted meeting on that site is a Special Session on August 25th, 2026 at 9:00 AM.", "url": "https://brazoriacountytx.legistar.com/MainBody.aspx", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Brazoria County Commissioners Court adopted a resolution on data center development on June 9, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "Resolution Regarding the Development of Data Centers and Related Facilities in the State of Texas", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/brazoriacountytx/matters/4786", "source_title": "Legistar API, Brazoria County, Matter 4786 (File 18483)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0052-c1" }, { "text": "The court's record shows the resolution approved and passing at the June 9, 2026 meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "APPROVED", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/brazoriacountytx/matters/4786/histories", "source_title": "Legistar API, Brazoria County, Matter 4786 histories, action date 2026-06-09, agenda number I.1.", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0052-c2" }, { "text": "Reporting describes the resolution as supporting appropriately designed and sited data centers while asking for an independent impact assessment before any future project proceeds.", "verbatim_quote": "The Brazoria County Commissioners Court supports responsible economic development, including appropriately designed and sited data centers and related facilities.", "source_url": "https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/08/is-brazoria-county-anti-data-center-new-resolution-seeks-tougher-rules-on-future-projects/", "source_title": "KPRC Click2Houston, Is Brazoria County anti-data center? New resolution seeks tougher rules on future projects", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0052-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0052", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Houston ISD Board of Managers carried a new local board policy on artificial intelligence to a second reading on its August 13th agenda", "summary": "Houston Independent School District has a proposed local board policy numbered CQD(LOCAL) covering technology resources and artificial intelligence. The item was introduced on March 20th, 2026. Its first reading sat on the June 11th, 2026 board agenda as item 42. Its second reading sat on the August 13th, 2026 agenda as item 24, in the consent section. The district's agenda system records no action, mover or vote for either reading. The August 13th minutes are still marked draft, so the record does not yet show whether the board adopted it. This is a state-appointed Board of Managers rather than an elected board, and the policy would apply to the largest school district in Texas.", "topic": "health-and-education", "decider": { "name": "Houston Independent School District Board of Managers", "type": "school-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Harris" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-03-20", "kind": "filed", "note": "Item introduced as the policy file" }, { "date": "2026-06-11", "kind": "hearing", "note": "First reading placed on the board agenda as item 42" }, { "date": "2026-08-13", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Second reading placed on the board agenda as item 24, in the consent section" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Board meetings are held at 5:00 PM in the Board Auditorium and Board Services Conference Room, and agendas, attachments and minutes are posted in the district's Legistar meeting detail pages. The draft minutes for August 13th, 2026 will show whether the policy was adopted once they are finalized.", "url": "https://houstonisd.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?LEGID=1304&GID=889&G=AEA739C4-F651-4FB7-B1D8-F4D303D5084D", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The second reading of a proposed local board policy on artificial intelligence was scheduled for the August 13, 2026 board agenda.", "verbatim_quote": "Approval To Establish Board Policy CQD(LOCAL), Technology Resources: Artificial Intelligence-Second Reading", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/houstonisd/matters?$filter=substringof(%27Future%202%27,MatterTitle)%20or%20substringof(%27Artificial%20Intelligence%27,MatterTitle)&$orderby=MatterIntroDate%20desc&$top=25", "source_title": "Legistar API, Houston ISD, matters matching Artificial Intelligence (Matter 3385, File 26-238, agenda date 2026-08-13)", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0053-c1" }, { "text": "The item appeared as agenda item 24 at the August 13, 2026 School Board meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "24.", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/houstonisd/events/1304/eventitems?AgendaNote=1&MinutesNote=1&Attachments=0", "source_title": "Legistar API, Houston ISD, event 1304 agenda items for August 13, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0053-c2" }, { "text": "The first reading of the same policy appeared as agenda item 42 at the June 11, 2026 board meeting.", "verbatim_quote": "Approval To Establish Board Policy CQD(LOCAL), Technology Resources: Artificial Intelligence-First Reading", "source_url": "https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/houstonisd/events/1303/eventitems?AgendaNote=1&MinutesNote=1&Attachments=0", "source_title": "Legistar API, Houston ISD, event 1303 agenda items for June 11, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0053-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0053", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Houston-Galveston Area Council put AI consulting services on its HGACBuy purchasing catalog under contract AI05-26", "summary": "HGACBuy is the cooperative purchasing program run by the Houston-Galveston Area Council. It publishes an active contract numbered AI05-26 titled AI Consulting Services. The term runs from May 1st, 2026 through April 30th, 2030. The catalog describes the work as comprehensive guidance through the array of possible solutions where artificial intelligence can be integrated. Five vendors are listed as awarded on the contract page. This is the procurement plumbing behind a lot of Texas government AI work. A contract vehicle is how a small city or district buys a service without running its own solicitation.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGACBuy)", "type": "special-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Harris" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-05-01", "kind": "effective", "note": "Start of the contract term shown on the HGACBuy contract page" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The contract, its awarded vendors and the product listings are published on the HGACBuy site and can be viewed by anyone. Buying from it requires being an HGACBuy member organization. A member of the public participates through their own city, county or district rather than directly.", "url": "https://www.hgacbuy.org/products-and-services/view-contract?contractid=3147", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "HGACBuy contract AI05-26, AI Consulting Services, runs from May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2030.", "verbatim_quote": "May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2030", "source_url": "https://www.hgacbuy.org/products-and-services/view-contract?contractid=3147", "source_title": "HGACBuy, Contract AI05-26 AI Consulting Services", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0054-c1" }, { "text": "The contract's scope is described as guidance on integrating artificial intelligence into an organization's processes.", "verbatim_quote": "comprehensive guidance through the array of possible solutions where Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated", "source_url": "https://www.hgacbuy.org/products-and-services/view-contract?contractid=3147", "source_title": "HGACBuy, Contract AI05-26 AI Consulting Services", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0054-c2" }, { "text": "The catalog lists artificial intelligence consulting and related services as a purchasable product under the contract.", "verbatim_quote": "AI consulting; IT consulting; artificial intelligence; system design; data modeling; semantic layer design; dashboard development; platform administration; AI and BI enhancement.", "source_url": "https://www.hgacbuy.org/products-and-services/view-product?productid=44520", "source_title": "HGACBuy, Artificial intelligence consulting and related services, contract AI05-26", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0054-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0054", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Conroe City Council fell short of the votes needed to put its Flock camera contract on the November ballot", "summary": "Conroe City Council voted late on August 13th, 2026 on whether to place a binding proposition about the city's Flock Safety license plate reader cameras before voters in November. Reporting says the motion did not get the three yes votes it needed. Council Member David Hairel and Council Member Shana Arthur were the only members who supported it. The city faced an August 17th deadline to place items on the November ballot, so the question will not reach Conroe voters this fall. The same council had already voted unanimously on July 23rd, 2026 to table two Flock related proposals indefinitely, a step that did not terminate or change the city's Flock agreement. The neighboring city of League City took the opposite path two days earlier and ordered the election.", "topic": "surveillance-and-policing", "decider": { "name": "Conroe City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Montgomery" ], "metro": "Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-23", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Council voted unanimously to table two Flock camera proposals indefinitely" }, { "date": "2026-08-13", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Motion to place a Flock proposition on the November ballot failed for lack of a third vote" }, { "date": "2026-08-17", "kind": "statutory_deadline", "note": "Reported deadline to place items on the November ballot" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Conroe City Council meets at City Hall, 300 W. Davis St, Conroe, TX 77301. A resident who wants to speak completes a Citizen Inquiry Form available outside the Council Chambers. It goes to the Police Officer before the meeting begins. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes each and preference goes to those addressing agenda items.", "url": "https://www.cityofconroe.org/government/city_council/agendas_minutes/index.php", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The motion to send the Flock camera question to voters failed for want of a third vote.", "verbatim_quote": "The motion did not get the three 'yes' votes needed to advance.", "source_url": "https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/08/14/conroe-city-council-vote-falls-short-of-putting-flock-camera-question-on-november-ballot/", "source_title": "KPRC Click2Houston, Conroe City Council vote falls short of putting Flock camera question on November ballot", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0055-c1" }, { "text": "Only two council members supported placing the question on the ballot.", "verbatim_quote": "Hairel and Council Member Shana Arthur were the only members who supported placing it on the ballot.", "source_url": "https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/08/14/conroe-city-council-vote-falls-short-of-putting-flock-camera-question-on-november-ballot/", "source_title": "KPRC Click2Houston, Conroe City Council vote falls short of putting Flock camera question on November ballot", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0055-c2" }, { "text": "The council had earlier tabled two Flock camera proposals indefinitely without changing the city's contract.", "verbatim_quote": "Two proposals tied to Conroe's use of Flock Safety cameras were tabled indefinitely after City Council members voted unanimously to set both items aside.", "source_url": "https://abc13.com/story/conroe-city-council-indefinitely-tables-2-flock-camera-proposals/19575313/", "source_title": "ABC13 Houston, Conroe City Council indefinitely tables 2 Flock camera proposals", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0055-c3" }, { "text": "The tabling did not end or alter the city's Flock agreement.", "verbatim_quote": "The votes do not terminate, suspend or change the city's Flock agreement.", "source_url": "https://abc13.com/story/conroe-city-council-indefinitely-tables-2-flock-camera-proposals/19575313/", "source_title": "ABC13 Houston, Conroe City Council indefinitely tables 2 Flock camera proposals", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0055-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0055", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Texas Water Development Board denied a petition to give data centers their own water demand category and adopted the 2027 State Water Plan the same day", "summary": "The Texas Water Development Board took up a petition for rulemaking on July 23rd, 2026. It asked the agency to project water demand for data centers and crypto mining as a standalone industrial category. The petition was filed by Margaret Hill and co petitioners, and the board denied it. At the same meeting the board considered adoption of the 2027 State Water Plan (Phase I), which contains no separate demand line for high density computing load. Board members noted that regional water plans feed the state plan and can be amended as better data arrives. The decision means the state's central water planning document carries data center demand folded inside broader categories rather than on its own.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Texas Water Development Board", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-23", "kind": "ordered", "note": "TWDB board meeting at which the petition for rulemaking was considered and the 2027 State Water Plan (Phase I) was taken up for adoption" }, { "date": "2026-07-22", "kind": "statutory_deadline", "note": "deadline for remote speakers to submit the visitor registration form for that meeting" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "TWDB board meetings are held at 1700 Congress Avenue in the Stephen F. Austin Building, Room 170, Austin, and by Teams. Anyone wanting to address the board completes a visitor registration card. Remote participants email the form to Customer_Service@twdb.texas.gov by noon the day before. Agenda item 26 is a general public comment period on any matter within the board's jurisdiction.", "url": "https://www.twdb.texas.gov/board/2026/07/board/index.asp", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The TWDB board agenda for July 23rd, 2026 carried an item to act on a rulemaking petition seeking a dedicated industrial water use category for data centers and crypto mining.", "verbatim_quote": "Consider acting on a petition for rulemaking filed by Margaret Hill and Co-Petitioners related to a dedicated industrial water-use category for Data Centers and Crypto-Mining Operations", "source_url": "https://www.twdb.texas.gov/board/2026/07/board/index.asp", "source_title": "Agenda for TWDB Board Meeting - July 23, 2026 | Texas Water Development Board", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0056-c1" }, { "text": "The same agenda included adoption of the 2027 State Water Plan (Phase I).", "verbatim_quote": "Consider adoption of the 2027 State Water Plan (Phase I)", "source_url": "https://www.twdb.texas.gov/board/2026/07/board/index.asp", "source_title": "Agenda for TWDB Board Meeting - July 23, 2026 | Texas Water Development Board", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0056-c2" }, { "text": "The board denied the petition, which had asked for mandatory standalone water demand projections for data centers and crypto mining.", "verbatim_quote": "the three-member board denied a petition by Wimberley resident Margaret Elizabeth Hill", "source_url": "https://communityimpact.com/central-austin/texas-legislature/texas-includes-minimal-data-center-info-in-state-water-plan-citing-limited-data/", "source_title": "Water development board says 'limited' info available about data centers for 2027 state water plan | Community Impact", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0056-c3" }, { "text": "Board member Brady Franks said leaving the category out of the plan does not mean the agency is ignoring it.", "verbatim_quote": "I don't want folks to think that if it's not in the water plan, someone's not thinking about it or someone's not considering it.", "source_url": "https://communityimpact.com/central-austin/texas-legislature/texas-includes-minimal-data-center-info-in-state-water-plan-citing-limited-data/", "source_title": "Water development board says 'limited' info available about data centers for 2027 state water plan | Community Impact", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0056-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0056", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "TCEQ canceled the Carson County public meeting on Fermi Equipment Holdco's new air permits and says it will be rescheduled", "summary": "The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had scheduled a public meeting for August 24th, 2026 at the Panhandle High School Auditorium. It concerns proposed new air quality permits for Fermi Equipment Holdco, LLC. The agency posted a cancelation and stated the meeting will be rescheduled for a later date. The application covers a state new source review permit plus prevention of significant deterioration and greenhouse gas PSD permits. That is the permit family a large behind the meter generating plant needs. The site is in Carson County in the Texas Panhandle, which sits outside ERCOT.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Carson" ], "metro": "Amarillo, TX", "on_ercot": false }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-24", "kind": "hearing", "note": "public meeting as originally scheduled, 7:00 PM Central, Panhandle High School Auditorium, since canceled" }, { "date": "2026-08-12", "kind": "filed", "note": "last modified date shown on the TCEQ cancelation page" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Written comments go to the TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at P.O. Box 13087 in Austin. Use mail code MC-105 and postal code 78711-3087. Comments may also be filed electronically before the public comment period closes. TCEQ says the canceled meeting will be rescheduled, so the room reopens on a date the agency has not yet published.", "url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/decisions/hearings/public-meeting-fermi-equipment-holdco-llc-183462-psdtx1704-and-ghgpsdtx271", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "TCEQ canceled the public meeting on Fermi Equipment Holdco's three proposed new air quality permits and will reschedule it.", "verbatim_quote": "Cancelation of Fermi Equipment Holdco, LLC'S proposed new Air Quality Permit Numbers 183462, PSDTX1704, AND GHGPSDTX271, the meeting will be rescheduled for a later date.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/decisions/hearings/public-meeting-fermi-equipment-holdco-llc-183462-psdtx1704-and-ghgpsdtx271", "source_title": "Cancelation of Public Meeting: Fermi Equipment Holdco, LLC, 183462, PSDTX1704, AND GHGPSDTX271 | TCEQ", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0057-c1" }, { "text": "The case appears on TCEQ's calendar of public meetings and hearings on permitting cases as an air new source review matter in Carson County.", "verbatim_quote": "Cancelation of Public Meeting: Fermi Equipment Holdco, LLC, 183462, PSDTX1704, AND GHGPSDTX271", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/decisions/hearings", "source_title": "Calendar of Public Meetings and Hearings on Permitting Cases - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0057-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0057", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "TCEQ canceled the San Antonio notice and comment hearing on Vantage Data Centers TX11's air permit O4791", "summary": "The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had set a notice and comment hearing for August 17th, 2026 in San Antonio. It concerns air permit O4791 held by Vantage Data Centers TX11, LLC. The agency posted a cancelation and said the hearing will be rescheduled for a later date. The facility is in Bexar County. Written comments still go to the Office of the Chief Clerk.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Bexar" ], "metro": "San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-17", "kind": "hearing", "note": "notice and comment hearing as originally scheduled, 7:00 PM Central, Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio SeaWorld/Westover Hills, since canceled" }, { "date": "2026-08-11", "kind": "filed", "note": "last modified date shown on the TCEQ cancelation page" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Written comments may be mailed to the TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at P.O. Box 13087 in Austin. Use mail code MC-105 and postal code 78711-3087. They may also be submitted electronically before the public comment period closes. TCEQ's Public Education Program takes questions at 800-687-4040.", "url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/decisions/hearings/notice-and-comment-hearing-vantage-data-centers-tx11-llc-o4791", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "TCEQ canceled the notice and comment hearing on Vantage Data Centers TX11's permit O4791 and will reschedule it.", "verbatim_quote": "The hearing will be rescheduled for a later date.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/decisions/hearings/notice-and-comment-hearing-vantage-data-centers-tx11-llc-o4791", "source_title": "Cancellation of Notice & Comment Hearing: Vantage Data Centers TX11, LLC, O4791 | TCEQ", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0058-c1" }, { "text": "The canceled hearing concerned Vantage Data Centers TX11, LLC and permit O4791.", "verbatim_quote": "Cancellation of Notice & Comment Hearing: Vantage Data Centers TX11, LLC, O4791", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/decisions/hearings/notice-and-comment-hearing-vantage-data-centers-tx11-llc-o4791", "source_title": "Cancellation of Notice & Comment Hearing: Vantage Data Centers TX11, LLC, O4791 | TCEQ", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0058-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0058", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Tarrant Regional Water District says it has signed no water supply contract for a data center and that the Cedar Creek request was withdrawn", "summary": "The Tarrant Regional Water District publishes a standing page on data center raw water requests after developers approached it about supply from the Cedar Creek system. The district states that the developer and West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District formally withdrew their requests and the project is no longer proceeding. The district also states that it has entered into no new water supply contracts specifically to serve data centers. It has not raised contract volumes for existing customers on that basis either. The TRWD Board of Directors is the body that decides raw water supply contracts, and it does so at monthly open meetings that are broadcast. The page was last updated on July 27th, 2026.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Tarrant Regional Water District Board of Directors", "type": "special-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Tarrant", "Henderson" ], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-07-27", "kind": "filed", "note": "last updated date shown on the TRWD data center water request page" }, { "date": "2026-06-23", "kind": "hearing", "note": "TRWD Open Hall Meeting at the Mabank Pavilion, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, referenced on the page" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "TRWD raw water supply contracts are decided at monthly open board meetings. Those meetings are broadcast, recorded and archived on the district website, so a resident can watch the vote or attend and speak.", "url": "https://www.trwd.com/resource/data-center-water-request/", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The developer behind the Cedar Creek area data center and West Cedar Creek MUD withdrew their raw water requests to TRWD and the project stopped.", "verbatim_quote": "the developer and West Cedar Creek MUD have formally withdrawn their requests to obtain water from TRWD, and the project is no longer proceeding.", "source_url": "https://www.trwd.com/resource/data-center-water-request/", "source_title": "Data Center Water Request – Tarrant Regional Water District", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0059-c1" }, { "text": "TRWD states it has signed no new water supply contract specifically to serve a data center.", "verbatim_quote": "TRWD has not entered into any new water supply contracts specifically to serve data center projects, nor has TRWD increased contract volumes for existing customers based on requests specifically made to serve data centers.", "source_url": "https://www.trwd.com/resource/data-center-water-request/", "source_title": "Data Center Water Request – Tarrant Regional Water District", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0059-c2" }, { "text": "The TRWD board is the decider on raw water supply contracts and votes in public.", "verbatim_quote": "The TRWD Board of Directors makes the final decision on all new raw water supply contracts.", "source_url": "https://www.trwd.com/resource/data-center-water-request/", "source_title": "Data Center Water Request – Tarrant Regional Water District", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0059-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0059", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District signed a resolution asking the Legislature to clarify district authority over data centers", "summary": "The Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District board met on April 16th, 2026 and signed Resolution No. 20260416-1 requesting legislative clarification on the regulation of data centers. The district publishes the signed resolution alongside the meeting minutes and its other board orders from that date. A groundwater conservation district is the body that issues an operating permit when a large user drills its own well. The district is asking for statutory footing before that question reaches it. The same meeting produced a board order granting a commercial permit to another applicant, which shows the routine permitting work the district does month to month.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District", "type": "special-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Blanco" ], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-04-16", "kind": "signed", "note": "district meeting at which Resolution No. 20260416-1 was signed" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "District board meetings are held at 601 West Main Street in Johnson City. The district posts the agenda, minutes and every signed resolution and board order for each meeting on its website. Phone 830-868-9196.", "url": "https://www.blancogroundwatertx.gov/2026-04-16-district-meeting", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The district signed a resolution numbered 20260416-1 requesting legislative clarification on regulating data centers.", "verbatim_quote": "SIGNED RESOLUTION NO. 20260416-1 REQUESTING LEGISLATIVE CLARIFICATION RE. REGULATION OF DATA CENTERS", "source_url": "https://www.blancogroundwatertx.gov/2026-04-16-district-meeting", "source_title": "District Meeting - Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0060-c1" }, { "text": "At the same April 16th, 2026 meeting the district signed a board order granting a commercial groundwater permit to another applicant.", "verbatim_quote": "SIGNED BOARD ORDER NO. 20260416-2 GRANTING COMMERCIAL PERMIT TO THE WOODS AT FLAT ROCK CREEK", "source_url": "https://www.blancogroundwatertx.gov/2026-04-16-district-meeting", "source_title": "District Meeting - Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0060-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0060", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "San Marcos City Council voted 4 to 3 to define data centers in its land development code and make them ineligible citywide", "summary": "The San Marcos City Council voted on June 16th, 2026 to define data centers in the city's zoning rules and make them ineligible for development anywhere inside the city. Council members cited concern that the facilities would draw water and energy away from the local community. The vote came after a long fight over a proposed campus and is the first ban of its kind by a Texas city. The city adopted an amended Land Development Code on the same date under ORD-2026-08, effective that day.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "San Marcos City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Hays" ], "metro": "Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-06-16", "kind": "ordered", "note": "council vote of 4 to 3 to make data centers ineligible in every zoning district" }, { "date": "2026-06-16", "kind": "effective", "note": "adoption and effective date of the amended Land Development Code, ORD-2026-08" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The decision is made. The adopted Land Development Code, the adopted redlines and the code update summary guide are posted on the city's Code Updates page. Further amendments run through the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council on the published 2026 meeting calendar.", "url": "https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/2859/Code-Updates", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council voted 4 to 3 on June 16th to define data centers in zoning law and make them ineligible for development anywhere in the city.", "verbatim_quote": "San Marcos City Council voted 4-3 on June 16 to define data centers in zoning laws and make them ineligible for development anywhere in the city.", "source_url": "https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2026/06/30/san-marcos-becomes-the-first-texas-city-to-ban-data-centers-testing-its-local-control/", "source_title": "San Marcos becomes the first Texas city to ban data centers, testing its local control | KSAT", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0061-c1" }, { "text": "Council member Lorenzo Gonzalez said the promised benefits stayed speculative while residents' concerns went unresolved.", "verbatim_quote": "I think we debated this to death. The promised benefits remained speculative while many of the concerns raised by residents remained unresolved.", "source_url": "https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2026/06/30/san-marcos-becomes-the-first-texas-city-to-ban-data-centers-testing-its-local-control/", "source_title": "San Marcos becomes the first Texas city to ban data centers, testing its local control | KSAT", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0061-c2" }, { "text": "San Marcos adopted an amended Land Development Code on June 16th, 2026 under ordinance ORD-2026-08.", "verbatim_quote": "The City of San Marcos updated the Land Development Code (LDC) and Design Manual which together guides how the city grows and develops.", "source_url": "https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/2859/Code-Updates", "source_title": "Code Updates | City of San Marcos, TX", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0061-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0061", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Fort Worth City Council voted unanimously to start a 90 day data center moratorium and adopted grid filing requirements for applicants", "summary": "The Fort Worth City Council took three data center votes on August 11th, 2026. Members unanimously approved the first steps toward a 90 day moratorium on accepting, processing and approving new data center applications inside the city. Two further items passed over a single dissent. One creates a Data Center and Infrastructure Commission. The other amends the city code so applicants must document their filings for connection to the Texas grid. The pause is not in force yet. Under the city timeline it takes effect on February 16th after public hearings and further votes, and zoning applications filed before then stay outside it.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Fort Worth City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Tarrant" ], "metro": "Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-11", "kind": "ordered", "note": "council votes on the moratorium process, the commission and the code amendment" }, { "date": "2027-02-16", "kind": "effective", "note": "date the 90 day pause would take effect if adopted after public hearings" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The moratorium requires further public hearings and votes before adoption, so residents can speak at the scheduled Fort Worth City Council hearings ahead of the second reading. The newly created commission adds a second public body to address.", "url": "https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-08-12/data-center-moratorium-takes-first-steps-after-fort-worth-city-councils-unanimous-vote", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council approved the first steps toward a 90 day moratorium on new data center applications.", "verbatim_quote": "the first steps to initiate a 90-day moratorium on accepting, processing and approving new applications for data centers", "source_url": "https://communityimpact.com/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/government/fort-worth-city-council-approves-steps-to-start-moratorium-process-on-data-centers/", "source_title": "Fort Worth City Council approves steps to start moratorium process on data centers | Community Impact", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0062-c1" }, { "text": "The pause would not begin until February 16th and only after public hearings and further votes.", "verbatim_quote": "If a moratorium is ultimately approved, the 90-day pause will take effect Feb. 16, after public hearings have been held and votes taken.", "source_url": "https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-08-12/data-center-moratorium-takes-first-steps-after-fort-worth-city-councils-unanimous-vote", "source_title": "Data center moratorium takes first steps after Fort Worth City Council's unanimous vote | KERA News", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0062-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0062", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "TCEQ has four data center air permit applications posted with published public notices, including Crusoe's two Texas campuses", "summary": "TCEQ's pending new source review page lists air permit applications whose notices are open to the public. Four of them are data centers. Aligned Data Centers REIT LLC is listed at ADC Plano and Amazon.com Services LLC at TXZ5. Crusoe Energy Systems LLC appears twice, at the Longhorn Data Center and at the Goodnight Data Center. Each row carries a plain language summary in English and Spanish and a notice of receipt of application. Several also carry a notice of application and preliminary decision, which is the document that opens the formal comment window. Crusoe's Longhorn permits include prevention of significant deterioration and greenhouse gas PSD authorizations. That is the permit family covering on site power generation rather than a few backup engines.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Air Permits Division", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": true, "counties": [], "metro": null, "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-08-14", "kind": "comment_opens", "note": "date this listing was fetched and the four data center applications were shown with published notices" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "Each listed application links a plain language summary and the published notices. Comments go to the TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at P.O. Box 13087 in Austin. Use mail code MC-105 and postal code 78711-3087. Comments may also be filed through the eComment system. A person who may be affected by emissions can request a contested case hearing.", "url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/newsourcereview/airpermits-pendingpermit-apps", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "TCEQ requires air permit applicants to publish notice and provide plain language summaries under state rule.", "verbatim_quote": "Air permit applicants are required to publish notice and provide plain language summaries in accordance with 30 TAC Chapter 39 Subchapter H. These documents are available in English and may be required in alternative languages.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/newsourcereview/airpermits-pendingpermit-apps", "source_title": "Summaries and Public Notices for Pending New Source Review Permit Applications - TCEQ", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0063-c1" }, { "text": "One of the listed pending applications is a Crusoe Energy Systems facility named Longhorn Data Center.", "verbatim_quote": "LONGHORN DATA CENTER", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/newsourcereview/airpermits-pendingpermit-apps", "source_title": "Summaries and Public Notices for Pending New Source Review Permit Applications - TCEQ", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0063-c2" }, { "text": "Another listed pending application is a Crusoe Energy Systems facility named Goodnight Data Center.", "verbatim_quote": "GOODNIGHT DATA CENTER", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/newsourcereview/airpermits-pendingpermit-apps", "source_title": "Summaries and Public Notices for Pending New Source Review Permit Applications - TCEQ", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0063-c3" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0063", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "TCEQ issues preliminary decision and opens comment on Crusoe's gas power plant at the Abilene data center campus", "summary": "The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's executive director finished technical review and drafted a permit for an electric power generation facility at 615 Farm-to-Market Road 2404 outside Abilene. That is the address of the Stargate campus in Taylor County. The notice covers three permits at once. They are state air quality permit 182126, PSD permit PSDTX1688 and greenhouse gas PSD permit GHGPSDTX263, all sought by Crusoe Technologies LLC. TCEQ processed the application in an expedited manner under its own rules. Written comments are due within 30 days of the newspaper publication of the notice. A person who may be affected by the emissions can request a contested case hearing on the state and PSD permits, though not on the greenhouse gas permit.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "Texas Commission on Environmental Quality", "type": "state-agency" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Taylor" ], "metro": "Abilene, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "open", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-11-07", "kind": "filed", "note": "Application submitted to TCEQ" }, { "date": "2026-08-05", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Notice issuance date for the executive director's preliminary decision and draft permit" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "Submit written comments or request a public meeting or contested case hearing electronically at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/comment. They may also be mailed to the Office of the Chief Clerk at P.O. Box 13087 in Austin. Use mail code MC 105 and postal code 78711-3087. Reference permit 182126. The full application and draft permit can be read at the Abilene Public Library on Cedar Street.", "url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "Crusoe Technologies LLC has applied for three air permits authorizing an electric power generation facility at the Abilene data center campus address in Taylor County.", "verbatim_quote": "Crusoe Technologies LLC, 255 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206-5030, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for issuance of proposed State Air Quality Permit 182126, issuance of Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Quality Permit PSDTX1688, and issuance of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) PSD Air Quality Permit GHGPSDTX263 for emissions of GHGs, which would authorize construction of an electric power generation facility located at 615 Farm-to-Market Road 2404, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas 79601.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "source_title": "TCEQ Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Air Quality Permits, Proposed Air Quality Permit Numbers 182126, PSDTX1688, and GHGPSDTX263", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0064-c1" }, { "text": "The application was filed with TCEQ on November 7th, 2025.", "verbatim_quote": "This application was submitted to the TCEQ on November 7, 2025.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "source_title": "TCEQ Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Air Quality Permits, Proposed Air Quality Permit Numbers 182126, PSDTX1688, and GHGPSDTX263", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0064-c2" }, { "text": "TCEQ handled the application through its expedited permitting track.", "verbatim_quote": "This application was processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "source_title": "TCEQ Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Air Quality Permits, Proposed Air Quality Permit Numbers 182126, PSDTX1688, and GHGPSDTX263", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0064-c3" }, { "text": "The public comment window runs 30 days from newspaper publication of the notice.", "verbatim_quote": "You may submit additional written public comments within 30 days of the date of newspaper publication of this notice in the manner set forth in the AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION paragraph below.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "source_title": "TCEQ Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Air Quality Permits, Proposed Air Quality Permit Numbers 182126, PSDTX1688, and GHGPSDTX263", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0064-c4" }, { "text": "No contested case hearing is available on the greenhouse gas portion of the application.", "verbatim_quote": "There is no opportunity to request a contested case hearing regarding the portion of the application for GHG PSD Air Quality Permit Number GHGPSDTX263.", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "source_title": "TCEQ Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Air Quality Permits, Proposed Air Quality Permit Numbers 182126, PSDTX1688, and GHGPSDTX263", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0064-c5" }, { "text": "The notice carries an issuance date of August 5th, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "Notice Issuance Date: August 5, 2026", "source_url": "https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/bilingual/pending-permit-notices/182126-napd-english.pdf", "source_title": "TCEQ Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Air Quality Permits, Proposed Air Quality Permit Numbers 182126, PSDTX1688, and GHGPSDTX263", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0064-c6" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0064", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "San Angelo City Council caps data center cooling water by ordinance", "summary": "San Angelo passed Ordinance 2026-078, which adds Section 11.02.043 to the city water service rules. It puts hard numbers on how much city water a data center may take for cooling. Initial cooling system fill can't exceed 8.0 gallons per square foot of gross building area for each building. Routine makeup water can't exceed six percent of the installed cooling loop volume per building per calendar year, and cooling water has to be metered separately from other use. Any exceedance needs City Manager approval and has to be reported in writing to the City Council within five business days. The ordinance was introduced with a public hearing on May 19th, 2026 and passed on June 16th, 2026, taking effect the same day.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "City of San Angelo City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Tom Green" ], "metro": "San Angelo, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-05-19", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Introduced with public hearing" }, { "date": "2026-06-16", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Finally passed by City Council, reported 7 to 0" }, { "date": "2026-06-16", "kind": "effective", "note": "Ordinance effective date" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The ordinance is adopted and in force. The City of San Angelo publishes the three adopted data center ordinances and the Northeast Sector Master Plan work on its Data Center Information page. City Council meets in open session where residents may speak. Exceedance reports go to the City Council within five business days, so the record of any overuse arrives on a public agenda.", "url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/803/Data-Center-Information", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council adopted Ordinance 2026-078 adding a data center section to the city water service rules.", "verbatim_quote": "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN ANGELO TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 11\n“UTILITIES,” ARTICLE 11.02 “WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS,” DIVISION 2 “WATER \nSERVICE,” BY ADDING SECTION 11.02.043 “DATA CENTER”; PROVIDING FOR \nSEVERABILITY; AND, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-078, Official Minute Record Volume 2026, June 16, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c1" }, { "text": "Initial cooling system fill is capped at 8.0 gallons per square foot of gross building area per data center building.", "verbatim_quote": "Initial Fill: Initial cooling system fill shall not exceed 8.0 gallons per square foot of Gross Building Area (as defined in the approved building permit) for each Data Center building.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-078, Exhibit A, Section 11.02.43 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c2" }, { "text": "Annual makeup water is capped at six percent of installed cooling loop volume per building per year.", "verbatim_quote": "Annual Makeup Water: Routine cooling system makeup water (to replace minor losses from valve packing, gasket weepage, and maintenance drain-downs) shall not exceed six percent (6%) of the total installed cooling loop volume per Data Center building per calendar year.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-078, Exhibit A, Section 11.02.43 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c3" }, { "text": "Cooling water must be metered separately from other water use at the facility.", "verbatim_quote": "Cooling water usage shall be metered separately from other water usage at Data Center facilities.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-078, Exhibit A, Section 11.02.43 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c4" }, { "text": "Closed loop cooling is mandatory and is written as eliminating continuous withdrawals from the city supply for heat rejection.", "verbatim_quote": "All Data Center facilities shall employ closed-loop cooling systems, or similar cooling technology, which minimizes water use, and eliminates the need for continuous withdrawals from the City’s public water supply for heat rejection.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-078, Exhibit A, Section 11.02.43 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c5" }, { "text": "The ordinance was introduced on May 19th, 2026 and finally passed on June 16th, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "INTRODUCED with public hearing the 19th day of May 2026 and finally PASSED this 16th day of \nJune 2026.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2315", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-078, Official Minute Record Volume 2026, June 16, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c6" }, { "text": "The City of San Angelo reports the water usage ordinance passed 7 to 0.", "verbatim_quote": "Approved 7-0 at the June 16, 2026 City Council meeting.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/803/Data-Center-Information", "source_title": "Data Center Information, City of San Angelo", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0065-c7" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0065", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "San Angelo writes data centers into its zoning code and makes them a conditional use only", "summary": "San Angelo created Section 430 of its zoning ordinance, the first full land use rulebook for data centers in West Texas. New data centers are allowed as a principal use only by Conditional Use, and only in Light Manufacturing and Heavy Manufacturing districts. Each one comes back to a public hearing. The code caps buildings at 75 feet. It bars ground mounted equipment near residentially zoned property and limits noise to 55 dBa at the property line day and night. It also requires a sound modeling study before final site plan approval and a post development sound study after occupancy. The definition it adopted excludes cryptocurrency mining. The ordinance was introduced on May 5th, 2026 and passed on May 19th, 2026.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "City of San Angelo City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Tom Green" ], "metro": "San Angelo, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-04-20", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Planning Commission public hearing and recommendation for approval" }, { "date": "2026-04-22", "kind": "hearing", "note": "City Council special meeting for public input on the data center project and regulations" }, { "date": "2026-05-05", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Introduced with public hearing" }, { "date": "2026-05-19", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Finally passed by City Council, reported 6 to 0" }, { "date": "2026-05-19", "kind": "effective", "note": "Ordinance effective date" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Because data centers are a Conditional Use, every future application goes to a noticed hearing under Section 208. Neighbors get another bite each time rather than one vote on the whole category. The adopted ordinance and the city's data center page carry the standards a resident would measure a site plan against.", "url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/803/Data-Center-Information", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "New data centers are permitted only by Conditional Use and only in the two manufacturing districts.", "verbatim_quote": "New data centers shall be permitted as a principal use by Conditional Use (CU) only, in accordance with procedures set forth in Section 208.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2255", "source_title": "Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Planning and Development, Exhibit A, Sec. 430 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c1" }, { "text": "Conditional Use applications may be made only within Light Manufacturing and Heavy Manufacturing districts.", "verbatim_quote": "An application for a CU may be made within ML (Light Manufacturing) and MH (Heavy Manufacturing) Districts.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2255", "source_title": "Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Planning and Development, Exhibit A, Sec. 430 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c2" }, { "text": "Building height is capped at 75 feet.", "verbatim_quote": "Maximum Height: 75 feet, measured at the top of the building plate (roof deck).", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2255", "source_title": "Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Planning and Development, Exhibit A, Sec. 430 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c3" }, { "text": "Noise is limited to 55 dBa at the property line during the day and at night.", "verbatim_quote": "Any noise that emanates from all activity associated with any data center is \nlimited to a maximum sound level of 55 dBa during the daytime and 55 dBa at \nnighttime.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2255", "source_title": "Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Planning and Development, Exhibit A, Sec. 430 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c4" }, { "text": "The adopted definition of a data center excludes cryptocurrency mining.", "verbatim_quote": "A data center \nshall not include cryptocurrency mining.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2255", "source_title": "Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Planning and Development, Exhibit A, Sec. 430 Data Center", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c5" }, { "text": "The ordinance was introduced on May 5th, 2026 and passed on May 19th, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "INTRODUCED with public hearing the 5th day of May 2026, and finally PASSED this 19th day of \nMay, 2026.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2255", "source_title": "Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Planning and Development, City of San Angelo", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c6" }, { "text": "The City of San Angelo reports the land use regulations passed 6 to 0.", "verbatim_quote": "Approved 6-0 at the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/803/Data-Center-Information", "source_title": "Data Center Information, City of San Angelo", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0066-c7" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0066", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "San Angelo sets reporting rules for data center coolant discharged into the city sewer", "summary": "San Angelo adopted Ordinance 2026-076, which adds a data center subsection to the city's prohibited discharges rule. Any intentional release of treated cooling fluid into the sanitary sewer is defined as a discharge event, and sampling with laboratory verification has to be completed before each one. Records of volumes, results and dates must be kept for at least three years and handed to the Director of Water Utilities on request. Planned discharges need 72 hours written notice. Emergency discharges have to be reported within 4 hours with a written incident report inside 7 days. The council introduced the ordinance on May 19th, 2026 and adopted it on June 2nd, 2026.", "topic": "land-water-and-permitting", "decider": { "name": "City of San Angelo City Council", "type": "city" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Tom Green" ], "metro": "San Angelo, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-05-19", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Introduced with public hearing" }, { "date": "2026-06-02", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Finally adopted by City Council, reported 5 to 1" }, { "date": "2026-06-02", "kind": "effective", "note": "Ordinance effective date" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The ordinance is in force. Discharge records are held by the Director of Water Utilities and are producible on request. That makes them reachable through a Texas Public Information Act request to the City of San Angelo. The city publishes the adopted text on its data center page.", "url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/803/Data-Center-Information", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The council adopted Ordinance 2026-076 adding a data center discharges subsection to the sewer rules.", "verbatim_quote": "ORDINANCE 2026-076", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2316", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-076, Official Minute Record Volume 2026, June 2, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0067-c1" }, { "text": "Sampling and laboratory verification are required before every discharge event, with records kept three years.", "verbatim_quote": "(3) Sampling and laboratory verification of treated discharge must be completed prior to each \ndischarge event. Records of discharge volumes, analytical results, and discharge dates must be \nmaintained for at least three years and provided to the Director of Water Utilities upon request.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2316", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-076, Exhibit A, Data Center Discharges", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0067-c2" }, { "text": "Planned discharges require 72 hours written notice to the Director of Water Utilities.", "verbatim_quote": "(4) Planned discharge events require written notification to the Director of Water Utilities at least \n72 hours prior to discharge.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2316", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-076, Exhibit A, Data Center Discharges", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0067-c3" }, { "text": "Emergency discharges must be reported within 4 hours and documented within 7 days.", "verbatim_quote": "(5) Emergency discharge events must be reported to the Director of Water Utilities within 4 hours \nof occurrence, and a written incident report must be submitted within 7 days detailing the \ndischarge volume, analytical results, and corrective actions taken.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2316", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-076, Exhibit A, Data Center Discharges", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0067-c4" }, { "text": "The ordinance was introduced on May 19th, 2026 and adopted on June 2nd, 2026.", "verbatim_quote": "INTRODUCED with public hearing the 19th day of May 2026 and finally ADOPTED this 2nd day \nof June 2026.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2316", "source_title": "Ordinance 2026-076, Official Minute Record Volume 2026, June 2, 2026", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0067-c5" }, { "text": "The City of San Angelo reports the sewer discharge ordinance passed 5 to 1.", "verbatim_quote": "Approved 5-1 at the June 2, 2026 City Council meeting.", "source_url": "https://www.sanangelo.gov/803/Data-Center-Information", "source_title": "Data Center Information, City of San Angelo", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0067-c6" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0067", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2 takes up a Chapter 312 abatement for a gas plant built to run data centers", "summary": "A small emergency services district in Pecos noticed a public hearing to accept a tax abatement application from Energy Forge One LLC under Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code. The application concerns a new gas turbine power generation facility inside the Energy Forge One Reinvestment Zone. That zone was established on November 24th, 2025. The notice describes the plant as producing dedicated power for prospective data center end users. It puts the estimated project cost at $6 billion. The hearing was set for 5.30 in the afternoon on March 25th, 2026 at the district's administrative office in Pecos. All interested persons were free to appear and present testimony. The outcome of that hearing has not been confirmed from district minutes.", "topic": "power-and-the-grid", "decider": { "name": "Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2", "type": "special-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Reeves" ], "metro": "Town of Pecos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "pending", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-11-24", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Energy Forge One Reinvestment Zone established, per the district's notice" }, { "date": "2026-03-25", "kind": "hearing", "note": "Public hearing to consider the reinvestment zone and accept the Chapter 312 tax abatement application" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "The notice states that all interested persons may appear and present testimony and evidence on the abatement application at the district's administrative office, 2269 Ocotillo Drive, Pecos, Texas 79772. ESD No. 2 meets at 5.30 in the afternoon on the third Tuesday of the month at that address. The district lists a phone number and an email on its meetings page.", "url": "https://rcesd.org/app/uploads/2026/02/RCESD2_Notice-of-Public-Hearing-Energy-Forge-One-2026-03-25.pdf", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The district noticed a public hearing on March 25th, 2026 to consider the reinvestment zone and accept a Chapter 312 tax abatement application from Energy Forge One LLC.", "verbatim_quote": "Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2 (the \"District\") will conduct a public hearing \nat a regularly scheduled meeting on March 25, 2026, to consider and to act upon the following items: \n(1) to consider the application of Energy Forge One LLC, for the recognition of a certain area of \nReeves County, Texas, as Energy Forge One Reinvestment Zone (established November 24, 2025)", "source_url": "https://rcesd.org/app/uploads/2026/02/RCESD2_Notice-of-Public-Hearing-Energy-Forge-One-2026-03-25.pdf", "source_title": "Notice of Public Hearing, Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0068-c1" }, { "text": "The project is a gas turbine plant supplying dedicated power to prospective data center end users.", "verbatim_quote": "This project would include \nthe construction within the Zone of a new power generation facility that would utilize gas turbines to \nproduce approximately 1-2 GW of dedicated power to prospective data center end users and/or other \npower intensive end users (collectively referred to as the \"Project\").", "source_url": "https://rcesd.org/app/uploads/2026/02/RCESD2_Notice-of-Public-Hearing-Energy-Forge-One-2026-03-25.pdf", "source_title": "Notice of Public Hearing, Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0068-c2" }, { "text": "The district's notice puts the estimated project cost at $6 billion.", "verbatim_quote": "The estimated cost of the proposed \nProject is $6 billion.", "source_url": "https://rcesd.org/app/uploads/2026/02/RCESD2_Notice-of-Public-Hearing-Energy-Forge-One-2026-03-25.pdf", "source_title": "Notice of Public Hearing, Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0068-c3" }, { "text": "The hearing was open to anyone who wished to testify, at a stated time and address.", "verbatim_quote": "The public hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 2026, at the District's Administrative \nOffice, 2269 Ocotillo Drive, Pecos, Texas 79772. All interested persons may appear and present \ntestimony and evidence regarding the Application for Tax Abatement.", "source_url": "https://rcesd.org/app/uploads/2026/02/RCESD2_Notice-of-Public-Hearing-Energy-Forge-One-2026-03-25.pdf", "source_title": "Notice of Public Hearing, Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 2", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0068-c4" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0068", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD's JETI agreement for the Energy Forge One power plant is executed and posted", "summary": "The Texas Comptroller now lists application J0022 among current agreements under the Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation Act. It pairs Energy Forge One LLC with Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD in Reeves County. The executed agreement was posted on July 24th, 2026. The recommendation packet had gone up on February 11th, 2026. JETI excludes data centers from eligibility. This project entered the program as fossil fuel electric power generation, which is why it also carries no minimum job requirement. The Comptroller's table records a proposed investment of $6.5 billion. Reporting by Grist says the school board approved the application at a February meeting and puts the value of the break at more than $227 million over ten years.", "topic": "state-policy", "decider": { "name": "Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District Board of Trustees", "type": "school-district" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Reeves" ], "metro": "Town of Pecos, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2025-11-10", "kind": "filed", "note": "Application posted by the Comptroller" }, { "date": "2026-02-11", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Comptroller recommendation packet posted" }, { "date": "2026-07-24", "kind": "signed", "note": "Executed agreement posted by the Comptroller" } ], "public_access": { "room": "contact_only", "how": "The agreement is executed, so the participation window has closed. The application, three supplements, the Comptroller recommendation packet and the signed agreement are all posted on the Comptroller's application details page for J0022. That is the paper trail a resident would read. Future JETI applications go to a school board public hearing under Government Code Chapter 403 Subchapter T.", "url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/application-details.php?id=J0022", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The Comptroller's application details page identifies J0022 as Energy Forge One LLC with Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD.", "verbatim_quote": "J0022, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, Energy Forge One LLC", "source_url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/application-details.php?id=J0022", "source_title": "Application Details, Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation Act, Texas Comptroller", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0069-c1" }, { "text": "The minimum job requirement does not apply because the project is an electric generation facility.", "verbatim_quote": "These requirements do not apply to an eligible project that is an electric generation facility described by Section 403.602(8)(A)(i)(b).", "source_url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/current-agreements.php", "source_title": "Current Agreements, Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation Act, Texas Comptroller", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0069-c2" }, { "text": "The Comptroller's current agreements table records the proposed investment as $6.5 billion.", "verbatim_quote": "$6.5 billion", "source_url": "https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/development/prop-tax/jeti/current-agreements.php", "source_title": "Current Agreements, Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation Act, Texas Comptroller", "source_type": "primary_official", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0069-c3" }, { "text": "The school board approved the application at a February meeting, according to Grist.", "verbatim_quote": "The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah school board approved the project's application at a meeting in February.", "source_url": "https://grist.org/energy/chevron-wants-a-school-district-tax-break-for-a-data-center-power-plant/", "source_title": "Chevron wants a school district tax break for a data center power plant, Grist, May 17, 2026", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0069-c4" }, { "text": "Grist reports data centers are specifically excluded from JETI eligibility.", "verbatim_quote": "data centers are specifically excluded from being eligible for the JETI program", "source_url": "https://grist.org/energy/chevron-wants-a-school-district-tax-break-for-a-data-center-power-plant/", "source_title": "Chevron wants a school district tax break for a data center power plant, Grist, May 17, 2026", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0069-c5" }, { "text": "Grist puts the value of the break at more than $227 million over ten years.", "verbatim_quote": "more than $227 million in savings for the company over a 10-year period", "source_url": "https://grist.org/energy/chevron-wants-a-school-district-tax-break-for-a-data-center-power-plant/", "source_title": "Chevron wants a school district tax break for a data center power plant, Grist, May 17, 2026", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0069-c6" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0069", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" }, { "title": "Tom Green County Commissioners Court declines a Precinct 4 moratorium on data centers and large energy projects", "summary": "The Tom Green County Commissioners Court voted not to pursue a temporary moratorium on large scale energy and data center development in Precinct 4. The court acted after hearing a presentation from Beacon Data Centers on its proposed Westline site at Dove Creek, west of San Angelo. Commissioner Shawn Nanny pointed to a $100 million lawsuit filed against Hill County after that county approved a similar one year pause. The result is that the unincorporated part of the county has no local pause. The city of San Angelo has three adopted data center ordinances, and they apply only inside its own limits. That split is the whole local story in Texas, where counties have no general zoning power and cities do.", "topic": "data-centers", "decider": { "name": "Tom Green County Commissioners Court", "type": "county" }, "geography": { "statewide": false, "counties": [ "Tom Green" ], "metro": "San Angelo, TX", "on_ercot": true }, "status": "decided", "key_dates": [ { "date": "2026-06-02", "kind": "ordered", "note": "Commissioners Court declined to advance the Precinct 4 moratorium" } ], "public_access": { "room": "open_meeting", "how": "Tom Green County Commissioners Court meets in open session at the county courthouse in San Angelo and posts agendas under the Texas Open Meetings Act. The moratorium item reached the agenda because it was placed there. The county's own website returned a server error when fetched, so the URL given here is the report of the meeting rather than the county's agenda page.", "url": "https://sanangelolive.com/news/county/2026-06-02/tom-green-county-commissioners-reject-data-center-moratorium", "closes": null }, "claims": [ { "text": "The court voted against a temporary moratorium on large scale energy and data center development in Precinct 4 after a Beacon Data Centers presentation.", "verbatim_quote": "SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Tom Green County Commissioners' Court voted Tuesday not to pursue a temporary moratorium on large-scale energy and data center development in Precinct 4 after hearing a presentation from Beacon Data Centers about its proposed Westline Site in Dove Creek.", "source_url": "https://sanangelolive.com/news/county/2026-06-02/tom-green-county-commissioners-reject-data-center-moratorium", "source_title": "Tom Green County Commissioners Reject Data Center Moratorium, San Angelo LIVE!, June 2, 2026", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0070-c1" }, { "text": "A commissioner cited litigation against Hill County over a similar moratorium.", "verbatim_quote": "Commissioner Shawn Nanny referenced a recent $100 million lawsuit filed against Hill County after it approved a similar one-year moratorium.", "source_url": "https://sanangelolive.com/news/county/2026-06-02/tom-green-county-commissioners-reject-data-center-moratorium", "source_title": "Tom Green County Commissioners Reject Data Center Moratorium, San Angelo LIVE!, June 2, 2026", "source_type": "journalism", "fetched": "2026-08-14", "id": "tx-2026-0070-c2" } ], "id": "tx-2026-0070", "last_verified": "2026-08-14" } ] }