Balancing Progress & Preservation – Part 1
Hays County stands at a pivotal juncture. The proposed CloudBurst data center in Hays County offers the promise of economic growth and technological innovation. But it also demands sober reflection on its environmental cost, governance challenges, and impact on our shared future.
CloudBurst Data Centers, Inc. intends to build an AI-focused facility at 904 Francis Harris Lane, powered by a 10-year contract with Energy Transfer for up to 450,000 MMBtu of natural gas daily. According to EPA estimates, this translates to 23,850 metric tons of CO₂ emissions every day—the equivalent of over 5,000 gas-powered cars on the road. Such a carbon footprint is deeply troubling, especially in the face of our worsening drought.
In May 2025, the Edwards Aquifer entered Stage 5 drought restrictions for the first time in 35 years. Our surface water resources are fragile. Can our ecosystem withstand another major industrial drawdown?
Unfortunately, Hays County does not have the legal tools to answer that question. Texas law sharply limits what counties can regulate. Cities—under Chapter 211—can zone land, control building density, and plan infrastructure. Counties—under Chapter 231—are far more restricted. Unless development falls in a floodplain or military buffer, the county’s hands are largely tied.
That legal gap is widening. Senate Bill 2038, authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt—who is also CEO of a property tax consulting firm—lets property owners in a city’s ETJ vote to opt out. If they do, they still get to use city infrastructure, roads, and emergency services—but cities lose the ability to plan, zone, or collect taxes from them. Responsibility shifts to the county—without the power or funds to act.
That’s where we stand. A water-intensive, high-emission industrial development is proposed during a drought, outside city control, under rules that hamstring the county’s ability to manage it.
Where do we go from here?
To be continued next week in Part 2: “Strengthening Our Institutions.”
Chase Norris
I am requesting a halt to all the negativity on this Planet we call Earth. No more killing. No more taking things, lands or privileges that you are involved in procuring.
I demand we all stand together to make this Planet peaceful. What do I mean by Peaceful?
1) That we all work together to care for each other.
2) That we all work together to clean up all the garbage (plastics and bad air) that are not only making us sick but are destroying the planet we call home.
This is NOT the Planet we used to call home. We have made it a planet that turns against us. Perhaps you are too young to remember the TV commercial “Don't mess with Mother Nature” regarding butter over margarine, But this is exactly what we ARE doing… messing with Mother Nature with our plastics and bad air and polluting our streams and rivers.
All of us can make a difference, not only regarding pollution but also regarding the changes occurring daily from the White House.
The following women know how to “kick ass” and have been standing up daily in the Halls of Congress for our rights. Please drop one or both a note of appreciation.
Senator Elissa Slotkin
291 Russell Senate Bldg
Washington, DC 20510
Rep Veronika Escobar
2448 Rayburn Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20515
Comments Welcome
Victoria Taylor,
Dripping Springs
