Denton residents push for data center moratorium amid environmental concerns
Denton, Texas residents are organizing to push for a ban or moratorium on new data center construction due to concerns about water consumption and environmental impacts. Community groups held a meeting to discuss these issues and are encouraging residents to attend City Council meetings and participate in outreach efforts.
Residents in Denton, Texas, are mobilizing to advocate for a ban or moratorium on future data center construction, citing concerns over water consumption, environmental degradation, and the impact on local resources. Community groups, including Revolutionary Front DFW and DSA Denton, hosted a well-attended meeting at the Emily Fowler Library to discuss the effects of existing data centers and strategize on preventing further development.
During the discussion, attendees raised alarms about the significant amount of water used by these facilities, with mid-size data centers reportedly consuming up to 300,000 gallons daily. A wildlife biologist and UNT grad student expressed surprise and discouragement about the potential environmental impacts, highlighting a personal interest in wildlife conservation and the ramifications of environmental degradation on human health. Speakers emphasized that regular citizens are not seeing the benefits despite large investments in these companies.
The organizing groups, also including Texas Pedal Project, the Green Party, and Cooperation Denton, are focusing on building "people power" through community connections and ongoing conversations. As next steps, members plan to canvass Denton on July 24th to spread information and build support for the moratorium. They are also urging residents to attend City Council meetings to voice their concerns. The report concluded by noting the uncertainty of whether community efforts in Denton will sway decisions, acknowledging instances elsewhere where resident votes against data centers were overridden by political mechanisms. BJ Lewis reported for Context Corner.