Data centers are cropping up all over Bexar County, with 23 more on the way, according to recent research. Companies like CyrusOne and Vantage Data Centers have registered construction worth over $1 billion along Omicron Drive, a two-mile-long road at the western edge of the county.

Concerns Over Environment and Infrastructure

Community members are asking what the rapid proliferation of data centers means for the environment, infrastructure, and economy. Concerns include noise and energy use, as well as pollution risks. The Environmental Integrity Project has filed a complaint against two San Antonio data centers, alleging they need higher-level permits for air quality.

Deedee Belmares, a San Antonio-based clean energy advocate, notes that data centers are able to cluster in the same area because they can utilize the same resources, like substations. However, she also highlights that data centers are not all the same, with smaller facilities serving institutions like hospitals and larger ‘hyperscalers’ being built to run artificial intelligence.

Transparency and Regulation

Transparency has been a central issue around data centers, with residents often not finding out about them until they are about to be built. Advocates are pushing for local government to consider requiring transparency and investing in water and energy infrastructure to support the growth of data centers.

The City of San Antonio has convened local stakeholders to discuss policy for data centers, and the state government may also weigh in. Governor Greg Abbott has sent proposals to lawmakers aimed at making data centers pay for the public costs of development.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.