Attorney General Paxton announces investigation into Texas data centers, Talarico responds to stance change
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the water usage of hundreds of data centers across the state. The investigation aims to ensure data centers comply with state law requiring transparency in groundwater and surface water usage by submitting survey responses to the Texas Water Development Board. Democratic candidate James Talarico criticized Paxton for the timing and alleged reversal of his stance, accusing him of previously providing tax handouts and taking money from data center interests.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into the water usage practices of hundreds of data centers throughout the state. According to the Office of the Attorney General, the probe seeks to ensure that these facilities are transparent about their water consumption and fully compliant with Texas law. State regulations mandate that entities utilizing ground and surface water for industrial, municipal, power generation, or mining purposes must provide a response to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
Paxton emphasized that his office is demanding all data centers in Texas meet this requirement by submitting a full survey response, stating, "It is our responsibility to steward our state’s land well, and we cannot do that if companies are blatantly disregarding their legal obligations to Texas and to our citizens." He affirmed his commitment to fighting for communities and protecting the state's resources, water, and energy supply.
Democratic candidate James Talarico swiftly responded to Paxton's announcement, accusing the incumbent Attorney General of a sudden change in stance just 40 days before Election Day. Talarico alleged that Paxton had previously supported data center companies with billions in tax handouts and received significant financial contributions and shares from data center interests. Talarico criticized Paxton's move as an "empty claim" to regulate the same industry he allegedly allowed to proliferate, resulting in increased bills for Texans.