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Montgomery County groundwater officials said data center developers are unlikely to target the county because projects with significant water use would face difficulty obtaining permits. The article also notes that Gov. Greg Abbott directed Texas regulators to stop issuing new data center-related permits amid concerns about the facilities’ power and water demands.
Montgomery County water officials said data center developers are unlikely to pursue projects in the county, where the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District oversees groundwater supplies. Board President Jim Spigener said developers using water in ways that do not conserve the resource would have difficulty obtaining permits.
The report said data centers have become a political flashpoint across Texas because of their substantial electricity and water needs. It also noted that Gov. Greg Abbott directed regulators in September to stop issuing new permits after identifying Texas as a major center for artificial intelligence development.