The Bastrop County Democratic Party calls for a moratorium on data center construction and expansion in Bastrop County until the full effects on communities and the environment are understood and residents are protected. The rights of Bastrop County residents to affordable power, water, and a safe natural environment are more important than the profits of data center owners.
State, county, and local officials must take immediate action to stop reckless data center expansion that sacrifices public funds, public trust, and the environment. The Bastrop County commissioners surrendered scarce tax dollars to data center developers without fully considering the effects on local communities or the environment. The commissioners owe the public full disclosure, meaningful public debate, and a transparent democratic process before risking residents’ quality of life and taxpayer dollars.
Furthermore, the Bastrop County Democratic Party calls on Gov. Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to address the impact of data centers on the state’s scarce natural resources and cost of living, and to establish a comprehensive framework for local control and public input. The governor’s policies accelerated data center growth in Texas. Therefore, he has a responsibility to protect all Texans from the consequences.
