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In this Issue:
 City Council Data Center Resolution & What's Next? On Thursday, August 27th, Austin City Council unanimously approved Item 61, directing city staff to develop new regulations governing data centers in Austin and, most importantly, to explore banning larger facilities altogether. Thank you to everyone who came out to speak and improve the weak proposal city staff initially brought forward. With your public pressure, Council amended the resolution to:
But let's be clear: Council did not ban data centers on Thursday. They kicked the question back to city staff to come up with a real regulatory framework. After taking months to produce a starting point, staff now have another few months to do substantially better. You can still help define large-scale data centers and help keep them out of Austin by writing Council and staff below. The data-center industry is moving quickly and quietly, which means Austin needs to stay vocal and move even faster. This was our first big step in a movement that continues to grow. SOS will be watching the data center restriction process closely, encouraging the strongest regulations possible, and pushing to make sure there are no loopholes. We will continue fighting for communities and pressing for protections that put Austin's water and climate commitments before big tech. 
SOS is joining forces with Sunrise Movement ATX, Public Citizen, ResistAustin, Extinction Rebellion Austin and other allies for a peaceful, legal, inspired rally. See you there
 Historic Barton Springs Bridge Moves Toward Second State Recognition The 100-year old Barton Springs Bridge, already protected under federal historic preservation law as the leading feature of the Zilker Park National Register Historic District, and recently recognized by Preservation Texas as one of six "Most Endangered Places in Texas," recently moved toward official Texas "State Antiquities Landmark" status. Last month Save Our Springs Alliance, in partnership with O'Connell Architecture, petitioned the Texas Historic Commission for recognition as an official State Antiquities Landmark. Last week THC staff approved the application, writing that "Because the bridge is already listed in the National Register, it has already been determined to be significant and therefore qualifies for SAL designation." The application will now move toward the Commission for approval over the next 90 days. Meanwhile, the Austin City Council continues to charge ahead with the demolition project, paying millions of dollars to city staff and consultants to justify tearing down the historic bridge and replacing it with an ugly highway-style bridge that's almost twice as large. "It really makes no sense; they have not considered reasonable alternatives, which means the City cannot demolish the bridge without violating state and federal historic, park, and environmental protection laws. This also puts the City at risk of losing any federal grants they hoped to apply to the project" said SOS attorney Beatrice Anderson. "Both City and State engineers have shown that the bridge is safe and can be repaired – likely for much cheaper than demolition, too. It's way past time for the City Council to reverse course, stop sinking taxpayer dollars into this unnecessary demolition, and save this historic park and community treasure." Thank You for Attending the Environmental Troubadour Celebration Last week, friends, musicians, and longtime community allies gathered to celebrate Bill "Mr. Habitat" Oliver, environmental troubadour, and tireless champion for the places we love. And what a celebration it was! The afternoon gathering also unveiled the Bill Oliver Environmental Troubadour Award, created to carry Bill’s extraordinary legacy forward for generations. For more than 40 years, Bill has used music, humor, storytelling, and heart to inspire people's love --and protection-- for the natural world. The new annual award will recognize two (or more) emerging musicians, songwriters, poets, bands, or collectives whose work advances environmental awareness, conservation, climate justice, habitat protection, and a deeper connection to the Earth. Most importantly, Bill was genuinely surprised by the award and called it “the best day of my life.” The award will provide recognition, performance opportunities, visibility through partner organizations, and a cash honorarium to help emerging artists continue their work. In the spirit of Bill Oliver, it will connect music with the environmental movement, storytelling with stewardship, and art with action. Now, we need your help to build the fund that will make this legacy last. If you’d like to help raise funds, spread the word, connect us with potential supporters, or get involved in developing the award, reach out to us directly and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Thanks for sticking with us to the end. We’re not letting up on the big water fights that matter close to home, but we’re also making time to celebrate, take a little recess, and stay connected to the people and places that make this work worth doing. Sometimes that means swapping the protest signs for a little sparkle mid-week! We hope you’ll join us at the rally tomorrow morning and at Kendra Scott this Friday.
It’s good to be in this fight with you. Thank you for showing up, however you show up! Onwards, SOS Alliance Comments are closed.
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