As data centers have become the latest hot topic in Texas, and particularly in the Hill Country, local governments and municipalities are struggling to regulate them in their own communities with the little to no authority granted from the state.

Guadalupe County recently approved a data center just outside of New Braunfels, Comal County sent a resolution to the state asking for research and guidance on data centers, the city of San Marcos has become the first city in Texas to fully ban them, and at Monday's regular meeting, the New Braunfels City Council discussed amending their land use ordinances to deter data centers within city limits.

Mayor Michael French requested the item, and following a presentation and recommendation from city staff, he presented his own research into the effects of data centers and the legal recourse the city has available to regulate them.