Texas Commissioner Miller warns data centers threaten state resources, urges special session
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address the rapid growth of data centers, citing concerns about strain on the state's water supply, electric grid, and agriculture. This push comes amidst public protests and makes data centers a major campaign issue, with the Governor recently expressing opposition to certain data center practices, leading to one project being scrapped. Miller also highlights alleged campaign contributions from the data center industry to the Governor's campaign.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to regulate the state's burgeoning data center industry. Miller expressed concern that unchecked growth could devastate Texas's water resources, electric grid, and agricultural lands. He criticized Governor Abbott for what he described as a lack of engagement on the issue, stating he has been unable to secure a meeting with the Governor for 12 years.
The demand for a special session comes amidst rising public opposition, including recent protests at the state capitol. Miller emphasized that the issue transcends political lines, affecting all Texans. He pointed to a recent record-setting power demand of over 91,000 megawatts, warning that data center expansion will further exacerbate grid pressure.
Data centers have emerged as a significant topic in the upcoming election, with Governor Abbott publicly stating that new AI data centers in Texas must "bring their own money, bring their own power, reuse their own water." This stance followed the decision by Diode to cancel its proposed East Texas Data Center. However, Miller dismissed the Governor's statements as "fluff," alleging that campaign contributions from the big tech data center industry influence Abbott's actions.
An examination of Governor Abbott's campaign finance reports reportedly revealed multiple large donations from individuals connected to the data center industry. Miller challenged Abbott to return these contributions to demonstrate his commitment to Texans over big tech. Governor Abbott's office responded with a statement asserting his commitment to protecting Texas families and working with the legislature to ensure Texans' voices are heard.