City council adopts resolution regarding large-scale data centers in Lubbock, starting process for potential moratorium - KCBD

The push came from the "Save Lubbock" group, whose member Stephen Sanders says he's been meeting with council for several months over concerns about large-scale data centers moving into the area. Sanders originally proposed an 18-month moratorium ordinance, but he says that timeline wasn't feasible under Texas law. Council countered with a 90-day proposal instead, and Sanders is calling it a real step forward rather than a loss.

Sanders says the shorter window still gives the city room to work. He wants guardrails established, resources protected, and a real look at how these facilities affect neighborhoods long-term, instead of council rushing approvals without a plan in place.

For people living near where a data center might land, this buys time before anything gets built. It also signals council is willing to slow down and study impacts, something petition organizers have been asking for since this fight started. Whether 90 days ends up enough time to set real rules, or just delays the inevitable, depends on what city staff and council do with the window they just created.