Environmental experts say Texas data centers come with uncertainty

Texas is home to around 400 data centers, with experts warning that the rapid growth comes with significant uncertainty. The state's power grid may struggle to meet the high electricity demands of data centers, which can consume as much power as a small city. There are also concerns about the environmental impact, including the potential for 130 new gas-powered plants that could increase emissions significantly. Additionally, experts are uncertain about whether all proposed data centers will actually be built, which could lead to higher consumer electricity rates if infrastructure is built for projects that never materialize. Water usage is another major concern, as data centers can consume millions of gallons annually in a drought-prone state. Local leaders are urged to carefully plan and consider the long-term impacts before approving new data center projects.