No project in Unincorporated Austin County, but 1 nearby
Who decides here: the Austin County Commissioners Court decides on zoning for land outside city and town limits. Texas counties have very few zoning powers, so land outside cities often has few local rules.
Nearby (within 15 miles)
Local votes and rules
⏸️ Pause on new data centers
Austin County commissioners voted unanimously for a countywide pause on new AI data centers and large battery storage sites in unincorporated areas. Developers must hand in an audit of their equipment makers and a sworn statement that no equipment comes from banned foreign companies. No building can start until the county says they comply.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Unincorporated Austin County. - Go to county meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Depending on where you live in Unincorporated Austin County: Centerpoint Energy (company) or San Bernard Electric Co-op, Inc. (co-op (owned by its members)) or Fayette Electric Co-op, Inc. (co-op (owned by its members)) or Bluebonnet Electric Co-op, Inc. (co-op (owned by its members)).
In much of Texas you can pick who sells you power, but this company owns the power lines.
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Texas.