Texas Sen. Perry argues AI data centers have benefits, need vetting | Opinion
State Sen. Charles Perry argues that AI data centers offer significant economic and infrastructure benefits to West Texas communities, including investments in water infrastructure. He emphasizes the need for developers to address community concerns and provide transparency regarding water and electricity capacities. Perry believes that with proper vetting and collaboration, data centers can be a net positive for the state.
Texas State Sen. Charles Perry, a Lubbock Republican, argues in an opinion piece that artificial intelligence (AI) data centers present significant infrastructure development opportunities for West Texas communities. Perry, who chairs the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, likens the current need to invest in data center infrastructure to previous generations' foresight in developing water infrastructure for the state.
More than 20 AI-related projects are under discussion across West Texas, including in Taylor, Childress, and Haskell Counties, as well as the cities of Lubbock, Amarillo, and Stamford. Perry highlights examples where data center developers are collaborating with local leaders to address community concerns and provide new economic opportunities. For instance, a developer in Carson County is drilling two new wells, and another near Childress is building a brackish water desalination plant to meet both the data center's and the community's water needs at the developer's expense. Additionally, in Stamford, new tax revenue is being explored to support long-term investments in local infrastructure such as streets and water systems. Beyond infrastructure, data centers contribute to job creation, skilled trades, and expand local tax bases, helping to alleviate property tax burdens and fostering economic modernization in rural areas.
While acknowledging the benefits, Perry stresses the importance of asking