Central Texas residents testify at state capitol on data center water
Central Texas residents, including a group from Temple, testified at the state capitol before the Texas Natural Resources Commission regarding data center water usage. State agencies acknowledged a lack of comprehensive information on the issue, prompting calls for new regulations. Activists emphasized the urgency of the matter, describing it as an "emergency" needing immediate legislative attention.
Residents from Central Texas, including founders Joe and Sarah Royer of the "Stop Temple Data Centers" group, testified at the state capitol before the Texas Natural Resources Commission, raising concerns about excessive water usage by data centers. Over 100 people gathered for the hearing, many expressing frustration due to limited opportunities to speak, despite the urgency they felt.
The Royers underscored the critical need for immediate action, stating that the situation is an "emergency" and that waiting until the legislative session in January is not feasible. They advocated for the implementation of "common sense regulations" to address the rapid growth and technological advancements in the data center industry. Committee members, such as Cody Harris, acknowledged the industry's growth as a natural consequence of progress, while Mary González expressed concern over state agencies' limited information on data center water use and conservation, attributing it to low survey response rates.
Invited data center representatives did not attend the hearing. The debate also touched on broader implications for community safety, environmental concerns, and national security. State leaders are now looking ahead to the 90th State Legislature to address these ongoing conversations at the state level.