State Rep. speaks on ‘urgent reforms’ of data centers across Texas
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is advocating for a special legislative session in Texas to address what she describes as a "growing data center crisis." She highlights bipartisan support for implementing reforms and establishing guardrails to manage data centers' impact on water and electricity, as well as ending significant tax incentives. Goodwin warns that delaying action until the next legislative session could result in substantial further incentive payouts.
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat from Austin and the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, is advocating for a special legislative session in Texas to tackle what she terms a "growing data center crisis." Goodwin emphasized the bipartisan support for implementing "urgent reforms" and establishing "guardrails" to protect communities from the industry's impacts, noting that this issue resonates with Texans across the political spectrum.
Goodwin reported hearing widespread concerns from constituents about the high water and electricity consumption by data centers, along with the associated costs. A primary focus of her reform push is the substantial financial incentives currently offered to data centers. These incentives, including sales tax breaks on equipment and electricity, and property tax abatements from local governments, are projected to reach a billion dollars in 2025 and significantly more in subsequent years if not curtailed.
The representative stressed the urgency of addressing these issues immediately. She pointed out that if action is delayed until the regular legislative session begins in January, any new laws passed would not take effect until September, allowing significant further data center development and incentive payouts during the interim. Goodwin underscored the critical need for representatives to listen to their constituents and act swiftly on these statewide concerns.