Thousands sign petition to “save Cedar Creek Lake” from proposed data center
Residents near Cedar Creek Lake in East Texas are opposing a proposed 759-acre data center by Diode Ventures, fearing its estimated 5 million gallons/day water usage will further lower the already declining lake levels during a Stage 3 drought. Over 2,500 people have signed a petition, which they plan to present at a July 27th interim hearing in Austin, urging county and state leaders for stronger regulations on data center water use.
Hundreds of residents near Cedar Creek Reservoir in East Texas are expressing significant concern over a proposed 759-acre data center by Diode Ventures, which they fear will exacerbate the area's already declining lake levels. Local resident Stacy Farmer, who lives in Trinidad on Cedar Creek Lake, highlighted that the water level is currently three feet down, preventing many from using their boats.
Farmer and her neighbors discovered the data center plans, which have been underway for over a year, only months ago through a public information request. They are particularly worried that if approved, the facility could consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily, a critical issue during the current Stage 3 drought conditions.
In response, residents have organized the "Save Cedar Creek Lake" petition, gathering over 2,500 signatures. They plan to present this petition at an interim hearing in Austin on July 27th. The group is urging county and state leaders to enact stronger regulations and clearer reporting requirements for data center water usage near residential areas and natural water bodies.