Texas House District 88 candidates discuss data centers, water, energy during early voting
Texas House District 88 candidates Ken King and Heather Wallace discussed data center growth, groundwater research, and energy policy during early voting. Wallace called for more study of data centers' potential effects on groundwater, while King expressed support for dispatchable power, particularly natural gas.
During early voting in the Texas House District 88 race, incumbent state Rep. Ken King and Democratic challenger Heather Wallace outlined differing views on data centers and energy policy. Wallace said the rapid pace of data center development warrants additional research, including hydroecological mapping to better understand potential groundwater impacts, and advocated greater investment in wind and solar power.
King said he supports dispatchable electricity that is available when needed, identifying natural gas as the current source that best fills that role. He argued that wind and solar power can be cheaper but are not consistently reliable. Early voting ends Oct. 30, with Election Day scheduled for Nov. 3.