Texas Groups Push Abbott to Act on Data Center Growth Concerns

A coalition of environmental and grassroots organizations, spearheaded by the Alliance for a Clean Texas, initiated a "data center week of action" to pressure Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Their primary goal is to compel Governor Abbott to convene a special legislative session to address and mitigate the environmental and community impacts of the rapid data center expansion across the state.

Kaiba White from Public Citizen, a member of the coalition, explained that communities statewide are experiencing negative effects on their electric and water systems, as well as general community well-being. While the Alliance comprises over three dozen organizations with varied views, some are entirely opposed to data centers and AI, while others advocate for a slowdown in development and the implementation of robust regulations to prevent current negative impacts on resources, air, and community sustainability.

A key concern consistently highlighted is water usage, with large data centers consuming millions of gallons daily in a water-stressed state. Other significant issues include rising energy prices, air pollution from natural gas and diesel generators, and localized impacts such as noise. White noted that despite the challenges, there's a growing awareness among elected officials, including Governor Abbott, whose rhetoric on data center impacts has shifted. The groups believe that grassroots efforts are making a difference, and public polling indicates widespread unpopularity for data centers and AI infrastructure.

The coalition hopes to secure a special session and potentially a moratorium on new data center construction until detailed legislation can effectively address these major concerns. They emphasize that while the Governor might take some immediate actions, comprehensive changes require legislative action, which only he can initiate by calling a special session.