Texas lawmakers hear from residents, state regulators on the impacts of data centers
Texas lawmakers held a hearing to gather input on data center impacts, drawing significant resident concern over noise, water use, and electricity costs, particularly in unincorporated areas. Governor Greg Abbott recently implemented a pause on new data center projects, requiring audits and disclosure of resource use and impact mitigation plans.
Texas lawmakers convened a legislative hearing at the Capitol to address the growing concerns surrounding data center development, attracting an overflowing crowd of residents. Texans, including Susan Tatro from unincorporated east Williamson County, testified about the negative impacts, citing noise, lights, water usage concerns for local springs, and rising electricity bills. Tatro highlighted the lack of regulatory oversight in unincorporated areas, where a third data center is potentially planned near her home.
Kyle Workman, a Leon County Commissioner, urged state legislators to grant counties more authority to regulate data center projects in unincorporated areas, emphasizing that current local leaders lack the power to impose restrictions. The discussion also covered the financial burden on residents, with Ben Barkley, CEO of the Office of Public Utility Counsel, explaining proposed rules where large-load customers connected to the ERCOT grid would bear a greater share of new infrastructure costs, though residential bills would still see some increase. Governor Greg Abbott recently implemented a pause on data center projects, mandating compliance with verification audits by ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas, requiring developers to disclose project funding, ownership, resource consumption (electricity and water), and plans for mitigating noise and light pollution. Abbott has previously advocated for developers to cover their own infrastructure costs and avoid building in rural neighborhoods.