Dear Commissioners,

I respectfully request that the Harris County Board of Commissioners adopt a one-year moratorium on the approval of hyperscale data centers within Harris County.

Hyperscale data centers represent a relatively new form of industrial development that can have significant long-term impacts on local communities. These facilities often require substantial amounts of electricity, water, land, and supporting infrastructure. Once approved and constructed, the impacts on surrounding property owners and future development patterns can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

A temporary one-year moratorium would provide the County with the opportunity to:

-Conduct a comprehensive study of the economic, environmental, and infrastructure impacts of hyperscale data centers.

-Review experiences from other communities, such as Troup County and Fayette County that have approved similar developments, including both successes and challenges.

-Evaluate the potential effects on groundwater, drinking water supplies, storm water management, and nearby rivers and streams.

-Assess electrical infrastructure demands, emergency response capabilities, noise, lighting, and air quality concerns.

-Consider impacts on agriculture, forestry, wildlife habitat, and rural character that makes Harris County unique.

Examine property value impacts on neighboring landowners.

-During this time, Harris County Commissioners will be able to develop thoughtful zoning standards, operational requirements, and enforcement mechanisms that protect residents while providing certainty for future applicants.

-Ensure that citizens have ample opportunity to participate in a transparent public process before decisions with lasting consequences are made.

-Observe the outcome of the pending litigation involving Project Ruby in Muscogee County. The legal proceedings may provide valuable guidance regarding issues such as zoning, public process, environmental considerations, and other matters that could inform Harris County’s approach before any irreversible decisions are made.

A one-year moratorium is not a rejection of economic development. Rather, it is a prudent planning measure that allows Harris County to make informed decisions based on sound science, expert analysis, and meaningful public input.

Across the country, communities are recognizing the need to carefully evaluate hyperscale data centers because of their unique infrastructure demands. Taking the time to establish appropriate regulations now will help protect Harris County’s natural resources, rural communities, and quality of life for generations to come.

I appreciate your service to our county and respectfully ask that you place a one-year moratorium on the approval of hyperscale data centers while a comprehensive review and public planning process is completed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Harris County Residents