North Texas Data Center Debate Scheduled for Wichita Falls This Weekend
A public debate on data centers, their power and water usage, and community impact is scheduled in Wichita Falls, Texas, involving local and state leaders. This event follows Governor Greg Abbott's recent pause on new data center construction until companies submit required audit surveys. Texans United Against Data Centers will livestream the debate.
A public debate concerning data centers is set to take place this Sunday in Wichita Falls, Texas, with participation from local city leaders and state representatives. Julie Waters will host and moderate the event at Work Services Corporation, also offering a livestream via the Texans United Against Data Centers Facebook page.
Confirmed attendees include district representative James Frank and his opponent Leilani Barnett, along with Wichita Falls Mayoral Candidate Scott Poenitzsch. Current Mayor Tim Short's attendance is not yet confirmed. Candidates from Texas Senate District 28 and the Texas AG Commissioner Race are also expected to participate.
The debate's context is Governor Greg Abbott's recent pause on new data center construction statewide. This moratorium was enacted after less than thirty of nearly four hundred data centers submitted required surveys detailing their power and water use, cooling operations, and efforts to mitigate community impacts. Texas currently ranks second nationally in data center density, behind Virginia, making these discussions critical for the state's future development.