Are data centers friends or foes? Experts discuss what they would mean for Longview
Longview economic development officials are considering data centers as a potential growth industry, although the city currently lacks land for a large facility and no project has materialized. Experts and state lawmakers debate the facilities’ potential tax and economic benefits against concerns about water use, electricity demand, land consumption and local infrastructure.
The Longview Economic Development Corp. included data centers in its 2024 strategic plan as it seeks industries that can attract younger workers and expand the local tax base. LEDCO President and CEO Wayne Mansfield said data centers can make major capital investments, create well-paying jobs and contribute tax revenue, but he acknowledged that Longview currently has little land available for a large facility. The organization has contacted data center and semiconductor companies, but no deal has resulted.
State Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview, said communities need better information before deciding whether to host data centers. Consultants cited both potential benefits, including infrastructure funding and grid investment, and risks involving water consumption, electricity demand, farmland, workforce competition and habitat loss. Gov. Greg Abbott has imposed requirements involving water reuse, grid-connection costs, reporting and residential impacts, while Texas regulators review the effects of proposed facilities on water and power supplies.