D6 Councilmember Calls for Temporary Moratorium on New Data Centers
Published on August 07, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (August 7, 2026) – District 6 Councilmember Ric Galvan joined by District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, and District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo, has filed a three-signature memo calling for a temporary moratorium on all data center development within the limits of City of San Antonio. The District 6 Councilmember demands urgency in local, state regulations.
According to the memo, the proposed moratorium would temporarily pause the acceptance of applications for concept plans, site development plans, and permits, as well as the issuance of site permits, for data centers and office data processing and management facilities as defined by the City of San Antonio Unified Development Code.
“As we continue to progress on my Council Consideration Request (CCR), and the state begins to weigh its role in data center development, I’m requesting a moratorium to allow us to finish the work we’ve started and adopt thoughtful regulations before additional facilities are approved,” said the District 6 Councilmember.
“District 5 recognizes the significant concerns these facilities present,” said Councilmember Castillo. “Data centers are resource-intensive, placing substantial demands on our electric grid and water supply, and can impact the quality of life for nearby residents, including surrounding wildlife.”
The request builds upon the City’s ongoing efforts to establish local standards for data center development, including regulations addressing water use, energy demand, noise, compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, and long-term infrastructure impacts.
The District 6 Councilmember was joined by Senator Jose Menendez calling for the creation of state legislation to establish statewide standards for data center development and ensure communities across Texas have the tools needed to protect local resources.
The District 6 Councilmember also expressed his appreciation to the community organizations that joined the announcement in support of stronger data center protections.
"Thank you to the many organizations that stood with us today in support of responsible data center development and stronger protections for our communities," said the District 6 Councilmember. "Your advocacy and partnership have helped elevate this issue and ensure that the voices of residents remain at the center of this conversation."
Organizations in attendance included Public Citizen, Society of Native Nations, EcoSA, Sierra Club, Southwest Workers Union, Climate Justice San Antonio, San Antonio Alliance for Teachers and Support Personnel, and Communications Workers of America Local 6143, San Antonio DSA and 50501 SATX.