State of Texas: Lawmakers respond to concerns over data center boom, power and water use
News Clip7:19KXAN·TX·3/30/2026
Communities across Texas are raising alarms over the rapid growth of data centers, citing concerns about excessive water and power consumption and local control. State lawmakers are actively responding to these issues, with new rules being implemented to require large users to pay for power connections. Additionally, bipartisan efforts are underway to establish regulations and a working group is being formed to address citizen concerns regarding data center development.
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Gov: Texas State Legislature, State Rep. Erin Zwiener
Communities statewide are pushing back against massive data center projects, raising alarms about water use, grid strain, and local control. Grace Gates reports on how lawmakers are responding, including new rules forcing large users to pay for power connections and bipartisan efforts to craft guardrails before development accelerates further. Will DuPree interviews State Rep. Erin Zwiener about her move to create a working group to address citizen concerns about data centers.
*Editor's note: a previous version of this video mistakenly put the incorrect party label next to Rep. Zwiener's name. We apologize for the error.
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