Austin City Council weighs data center regulations, some council members want ban

Austin City Council is moving toward new rules for data centers, but several council members are pushing for an outright ban on new projects in the city. During a Tuesday work session, the council discussed a resolution directing staff to amend Austin’s Land Development Code and other regulations to create land-use standards, site requirements, and permitting rules for data centers in specified zoning districts. The proposal follows broader concern across Texas as data centers expand, supporting technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Council members Vanessa Fuentes, José Velásquez, Ryan Alter, Mike Siegel and Zo Qadri argued that data centers strain utilities and raise worries about public health, safety, and resource use. Mayor Kirk Watson said stronger, enforceable regulations are needed instead, and the council is expected to vote Thursday.