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BASTROP — County leaders are requesting a public meeting with state regulators over a proposed natural gasfired power plant in Cedar Creek.
The Bastrop County Commissioners Court Oct. 13 approved a resolution calling on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to convene a local session regarding a permit application from Pacifico Energy, a California based energy infrastructure company.
The company is proposing a power plant capable of generating 1,300 megawatts of electricity to support data- center development in the area.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Clara Beckett acknowledged the county’s limited regulatory authority over commercial development, explaining that counties lack zoning powers.
However, she indicated there was little that could be done by the county to stop the project.
“If they submit their permits and they comply with the few things that we have regulatory authority over, we shall issue the permit,” she said.
At press time, there was no public announcement if or when TCEQ would hold the hearing.
The commissioners’ request is prompted by growing opposition to data center development in Bastrop County, with residents sounding alarms about potential effects on surrounding communities. Common worries concern drains on the power grid and water, as well as noise pollution.
Supporters note data centers are needed for artificial intelligence, banking, military needs and communication. The large industries also returned substantial tax revenue that can support local schools and infrastructure.
While the proposed plant would provide electricity for nearby industrial development, commissioners are asking for greater transparency and public input before state officials decide on any permits.
TCEQ issues approvals for construction- heavy projects such as industrial sites and data centers, including permits covering emissions, air quality, water and wastewater.
“We need answers backed by actual data,” said Mary Santana, who is building a home near the proposed plant.
Other residents expressed frustration over what they described as limited communication from developers, while some urged officials to take a stronger stance against data-center development.
Similar concerns have been aired in the nearby communities of Taylor and Hutto.
“I’m pleased that the court has decided to take steps in defending our county … I would love for this resolution to have been considered six or eight weeks ago, but we’ll take what we can get,” Cameron Allen told commissioners.
State law does not permit counties to have general zoning authority, nor can a county government approve or deny the construction of large industrial complexes such as a data center.
Those permitting decisions are reserved for state agencies such as TCEQ, although counties can OK local tax abatements and economic incentives, as well as work with road contractors and groundwater conservation districts.
Beckett said the county is partnering with legislative counsel and the Texas Urban Counties Association on potential laws that could provide counties with more power over data center development.
The county’s request also follows a Sept. 21 order from Gov. Greg Abbott directing TCEQ to halt permits for data centers while state agencies review their electricity and water demands.
The freeze involves a comprehensive audit of new and proposed data centers by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the Texas Water Development Board, requiring them to review water consumption, power systems and affects on the grid.
The audits are expected by December.
