Rep. Ken King speaks on data center boom
Texas State Representative Ken King discussed the rapid increase in data center construction across West Texas, Amarillo, and the Panhandle. He emphasized the necessity of addressing concerns regarding water consumption and power generation, noting that a legislative hearing is scheduled for August 19th to focus on power generation issues. King also highlighted the importance of local and state officials examining the impact of data centers on small towns.
Texas State Representative Ken King addressed the significant increase in data center development across the state, particularly in West Texas, Amarillo, and the Texas Panhandle. Speaking to Fox 14's Princess Bryant, King acknowledged the inevitability of artificial intelligence and the continued reliance on data centers, contrasting the situation with China's data center presence and its implications for national security. He asserted that centers in Texas can be effectively regulated and managed.
King highlighted key concerns, specifically focusing on water usage for cooling data centers versus power generation. He explained that while data center water consumption is relatively minor compared to other industries or agricultural practices, the primary concern should be how power generation for these centers will be cooled. King expressed dissatisfaction with current answers to this question and announced plans for a legislative hearing on August 19th dedicated solely to this subject.
Furthermore, Representative King urged local and state officials to closely examine the effects of data center development on small counties and towns. He stressed the importance of understanding the comprehensive impact these facilities have on communities, particularly those with smaller populations.