Residents press council to accept petition, call for pause on high‑water/high‑energy data centers

Dozens of Lubbock residents urged the City Council to accept a citizens’ petition asking for an 18‑month moratorium on high‑water and high‑energy data centers. Speakers described concerns about water supply, electric-grid strain and equity impacts, and they urged elected leaders to pause permitting while the city studies local impacts and alternatives.

John Macias (S13), one of several speakers at the Aug. 25 meeting, summarized the public sentiment: “We absolutely don't,” he said when describing opposition to data centers moving into Lubbock. Other residents warned of potential grid overloads and rising household energy bills tied to hyperscale facilities.

City Secretary (S26) reported that petitioners submitted 3,910 signatures and that verification found an excess of the charter-required valid signatures. The council voted to accept the petition as valid and set a public hearing for Sept. 8; staff advised that, because of statutory deadlines, the earliest election placement for a ballot measure would be the May regular election. Council members said they will explore options that comply with state law and noted that an 18‑month moratorium as written may exceed state limits, but that the council and staff are working on ordinances and lawful tracks to address community concerns.