Paxton to investigate hundreds of Texas data centers over water use reporting
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into hundreds of data center developments across the state for failing to comply with mandatory water use reporting requirements. The Office of the Attorney General is demanding that all data centers submit accurate water usage information as required by Texas law. Paxton stressed the importance of stewarding the state's resources and ensuring companies meet their legal obligations.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a statewide investigation into hundreds of data center developments that have not responded to a required water use survey. The Office of the Attorney General is tasked with ensuring all data centers in Texas provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding their water consumption, a requirement under state law where the Texas Water Development Board surveys entities using ground and surface water for industrial purposes.
Paxton explicitly demanded full compliance from all data centers, emphasizing that his office is investigating numerous developments across various counties including Harris, Montgomery, Travis, Dallas, Tarrant, Smith, Bexar, Tom Green, Potter, Randall, Lubbock, Midland, Ector, Wichita, Victoria, Brazos, Nueces, and El Paso. He underscored the state's responsibility to manage its resources, warning against sacrificing Texas's water or energy supply due to corporate disregard for legal obligations.