Lawmakers call for review of new Texas data center approvals
Texas lawmakers are advocating for a temporary halt on new data center approvals to address concerns about water and electricity consumption. Representative Vicky Goodwin specifically calls for state-level regulations to protect resources, give communities a voice, and prevent increased utility costs for residents.
Texas lawmakers are urging a temporary pause on the approval of new data centers across the state, citing significant concerns over their impact on water and energy resources. Representative Vicky Goodwin has specifically called for this moratorium until the legislature has the opportunity to hear from Texans and implement robust safeguards.
Representative Goodwin emphasized the necessity of state-level regulations to protect water and energy supplies, ensure that local communities have a meaningful voice in development processes, and prevent the financial burden of increased utility costs from being passed on to residents.
She suggested that a special session of the legislature might be required to adequately address these complex issues and establish policies that effectively protect the state's communities and natural resources.