“Texas is already strained”: Data center opposition builds in Waco over water, electricity concerns

A recent public forum in Waco, Texas, underscored burgeoning opposition to data center development, echoing a Gallup poll indicating widespread public resistance. Hosted at the Waco Bridge, the event brought together residents and experts to discuss the significant environmental and quality-of-life concerns associated with a proposed data center in the area. Local resident Ernest Uptmore voiced fears about light, noise, and heat pollution impacting those living near the potential Lacy Lakeview site, in addition to broader worries about water and electricity consumption.

Panelists, including McLennan County Judge Scott Felton, data center expert Dr. Margaret Cook, and state environmental policy expert Luke Metzger, emphasized the critical issue of water use. They noted that Texas's water supply is already strained, with data centers projected to consume up to 2.7% of the state's water by 2030, a figure that doesn't account for existing deficits. Dr. Cook highlighted the difficulty in accurately assessing this impact due to data centers' inconsistent participation in statewide water data collection.

Concerns also extended to the electrical grid, with Dr. Cook revealing that ERCOT has received data center power requests totaling over 194 gigawatts, roughly double the state's current grid capacity. While not all requests will materialize, a realistic addition of 30-51 gigawatts would still significantly burden Texas's power supply. Judge Felton pointed out the limited regulatory authority of local governments, shifting the focus to state-level intervention. The Texas Legislature is slated to conduct interim hearings on data centers this summer, offering a public comment period, and residents can provide feedback on the 2027 State Water Plan, seeking changes in water allocation policies for new projects.