Three people addressed the Polk County Commissioners Court during a public hearing to receive comment on a proposed industrial high-load site impact permit policy and fee schedule during the April 14 commissioners court meeting.
“Basically, this is the Court being proactive about what we have seen, what has happened across the state and trying to ensure that our community is not adversely affected by these types of development,” County Judge Sydney Murphy said.
What this policy does – in plain terms:
“Polk County is considering a new rule that would require large industrial operations – think data centers, AI computing facilities, cryptocurrency mining and similar high-power industries – to apply for a county permit before they build or start operating here,” Murphy said.
“Why? These types of facilities use enormous amounts of electricity, water and industrial cooling equipment, and they run around the clock. That kind of operation can strain county roads, stress our water and drainage systems, create fire hazards, and affect neighboring properties. This policy is the county’s way of knowing what’s coming before it arrives – and making sure developers address any problems on the front end, not after the damage is done,” Murphy said.
What it requires developers to do:
What it does not do:
“It is not zoning. It does not tell a business where it can or can’t locate, what technology it can use, or how to run its business. It simply says if you’re going to put a major industrial facility here, show us the plan and prove it won’t harm the community,” Murphy said.
Who’s affected?
“Any facility that draws one megawatt or more of electricity, runs more than 18 hours a day, or uses large-scale cooling systems. Businesses already operating lawfully before this policy takes effect are grandfathered in – unless they expand,” Murphy said.
Public comments:
Carolyn Bischoff was the first to address the Court. She expressed her support and appreciation for Murphy and the Court for the adoption of a formal resolution calling on Texas to carefully evaluate the rapid expansion of large-scale AI data centers. She said the importance of the piney woods is that it includes working timberlands, agricultural land and natural areas that are not just scenic backdrops, but the economic and ecological foundation of the county.
Jay Jackson also addressed the Court, expressing her opposition to AI and AI centers. She was concerned about job loss as a result and said she considers it corporate greed and that it needs to be regulated. “Just because something sounds good, doesn’t mean it’s good,” she said, expressing her support of the resolution.
Randy Moore also addressed the Court, commenting that he appreciated the opportunity to speak on the policy. He asked why the urgency for the policy and also asked if any member of the Court has been approached by any companies that want to come into Polk County. Each member of the Court individually said no, they have not.
“Has Polk County approached the land use issue?” Moore asked.
“Mr. Moore, a city can determine land use or do zoning. Texas is a property rights state and so we do not have the authority,” Murphy said. “If you have a large tract of land and you decide you want to subdivide it or you decide you want to invite an AI, all we’re saying with this policy is the resolution is to the state legislature asking them to please take a look at what’s happening in other area.”
The regulations and fees may be viewed on the county website at www.polktx.gov under public notices.
