Texas agency sues to stop release of data center records
The Public Utility Commission of Texas sued in Travis County to prevent the release of information identifying areas where data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations use electricity and water. The agency says releasing the combined data could create a security risk, but the Texas attorney general's office has twice concluded that the information was not shown to be protected under state law.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas filed a lawsuit in Travis County seeking to block the release of records showing the counties and regional water-planning areas where data centers and virtual currency mines operate. The commission argues that combining electricity and water-use information with location data could help terrorists target critical infrastructure.
The records were requested by a McLennan County resident and four journalists. The Texas Attorney General's Office has twice ruled that the commission did not demonstrate that the information was protected under the Texas Homeland Security Act, prompting the agency to ask a court to keep the records confidential.