BELLVILLE — Austin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a countywide moratorium Monday on new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS), temporarily pausing those types of developments while county officials study potential impacts and establish a review process.

According to the action approved by commissioners, the moratorium is intended to give the county time to develop a framework for evaluating future AI data center and battery storage proposals rather than permanently prohibiting the projects.

County officials are expected to use the moratorium period to examine potential issues related to public health, safety, security, infrastructure and other local impacts before considering future applications.

The measure makes Austin County one of the first counties in Texas to adopt a temporary moratorium specifically addressing AI data centers and battery energy storage systems. Reports indicate Hill County previously approved a similar measure before later rescinding it following a lawsuit, while the City of San Marcos adopted its own ordinance earlier this year.

The decision comes as interest in large-scale AI data centers continues to grow across Texas. These facilities require significant electrical infrastructure and, depending on their design, can also have substantial water and land-use considerations.

The Austin County action does not affect projects proposed or under review in Wharton County, including Amazon Web Services’ proposed Project Eagle development near Boling. However, it reflects how some local governments are choosing to evaluate the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure before additional projects move forward.

Additional details, including the length of the moratorium and the next steps in developing the county’s review process, are expected to become available following the release of official court documents.

Wharton Post will continue following developments involving AI data centers across Southeast Texas.