Texas Data Center Development Faces Opposition and Regulatory Actions
Texas is experiencing rapid data center development, which is generating significant bipartisan opposition due to concerns over water scarcity and power grid reliability. Several local governments and residents are taking action, including a 90-day moratorium enacted in Fort Worth and a lawsuit halting a project in Westlake, while Gov. Greg Abbott has released new state guidelines for data centers.
An opinion piece from Tarrant County College highlights the rapid expansion of data centers in Texas, with 335 currently operating and 248 more planned by 2030, which could make Texas the world's largest data center market. The article points to overwhelming bipartisan opposition, with a University of Texas at Austin poll showing 56% of Texans oppose data center construction, primarily due to concerns about the state's dwindling water supply and unreliable power grid.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), responsible for 90% of Texans' electrical services, is reviewing projects that could demand 100,000MW. Governor Greg Abbott has responded by releasing new guidelines, requiring data centers to submit plans for power payment, water reuse, and reduced reliance on the grid.
Local communities are also taking action. A proposed data center in Westlake was halted by a judge following public outcry and a lawsuit initiated by Keller residents. Separately, the Fort Worth City Council enacted a 90-day pause on new data center construction, effective early next year. These actions by cities in Tarrant County are pending evaluation of Abbott's new regulations. The article concludes by urging citizens to vote and reduce generative AI usage as ways to curb demand for data centers.