Why more Texans are opposing new data centers
Texans are organizing statewide against accelerating data center development, citing concerns over environmental impacts, particularly water usage. Community groups are planning a "week of action," including testifying at the Capitol in Austin, to urge Governor Greg Abbott and lawmakers to enact a moratorium and regulations on data center projects.
A growing movement of Texans is opposing the rapid development of data centers across the state, citing significant concerns about their impact on local communities and resources.
Residents like Julie Waters, who lives in Coppell but worries about her hometown of Crowell, highlight issues such as excessive water consumption. Data centers reportedly use between 3 to 5 million gallons of water daily, and the number of planned projects in Texas has surged from approximately 40 to nearly 400 in the last two years.
In response to this acceleration, dozens of coalitions have organized a "week of action" aimed at drawing the attention of Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature. Activities include informational webinars, preparing citizens to testify in committee hearings at the Capitol in Austin, emailing elected officials, and social media campaigns urging local leaders to request state-level intervention.
The coalition's primary demand is for Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to either ban or temporarily halt new data center projects. Their goal is to allow lawmakers time to establish comprehensive regulations for these facilities, a push that is expected to be a major topic in the upcoming legislative session.