Angelina County Requests Texas State Power to Regulate Data Centers

The Angelina County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve Resolution 010-26, formally requesting that the Texas Legislature grant counties limited authority to regulate data centers and battery storage facilities. Because Texas counties currently lack zoning authority, local officials have no legal leverage over these industrial developments unless specific tax abatements or road use agreements are already established.

The resolution seeks the power to implement mandatory public hearings for large-scale facilities and establish standards for noise and light pollution, water impact statements, and buffer zones. Judge Keith Wright identified water usage, visual screening, and noise and heat attenuation as the primary priorities for the county.

Local officials have presented the proposal to State Representative Rocky Thigpen and State Senator Trent Ashby, both of whom expressed support for some level of local regulatory control. The request now moves to Austin for consideration during the next regular legislative session, which begins on January 12, 2027.