Ranchers, farmers rally at Texas Capitol, pressing for pause on data centers
Texans, including State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, rallied at the Capitol in Austin, calling for a pause on data center developments and new statewide regulations. This action follows the successful opposition campaign in rural Henderson County, which led developer Diode to withdraw its proposed data center project due to concerns over water usage from Cedar Creek Lake.
Ranchers and farmers rallied on the south steps of the Capitol in Austin, urging state leaders to implement a pause on data center construction. State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller supported the demand, advocating for a moratorium on large data centers until Texas establishes new regulations, emphasizing that this is a bipartisan "Texas issue."
The rally comes days after residents in rural Henderson County declared a victory against developer Diode, who withdrew a massive data center project near Cedar Creek Lake. Resident Nan Michelle Anderson, part of an organized opposition campaign, stated that public attention to the story was crucial. Opponents had voiced concerns that the project could draw five million gallons of water daily from the lake.
Governor Abbott acknowledged Diode's withdrawal, stating the company "did the Right thing." Diode, however, framed its decision as its own, citing plans to pursue other Texas sites using water-efficient closed-loop cooling. Commissioner Miller, while welcoming the news, believes it does not solve the broader issue, as the withdrawn project was "one out of hundreds" planned. Anderson echoed this concern, fearing similar projects could still emerge, as the land remains for sale.