Texas lawmakers meet to address Gov. Abbott’s data center audit
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an audit of data centers to ensure they meet requirements for power and water self-sufficiency. The Texas House of Representatives is meeting with utility companies to gather information for potential new legislation. Citizens are voicing concerns, with one individual highlighting successful community opposition to a past project.
The Texas House of Representatives convened with electrical and utility companies to discuss the requirements being placed on new data centers, following Governor Greg Abbott's order for an audit of these facilities. Governor Abbott previously outlined his expectation that data center companies operating in Texas should be self-sufficient in terms of power and water.
ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) are tasked with verifying that data center companies comply with these requirements. ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas confirmed that a survey will collect attested information from providers, which will then be supplied to lawmakers to aid in drafting new legislation. PUC Chair Thomas Gleeson specified that the collected data would include details on tax abatements and water consumption.
During the meeting, Texans shared their concerns about the impact of data centers. Stacy Farmer from Henderson County, who was instrumental in community efforts that led developers to withdraw a proposed data center near Cedar Creek, testified about ongoing local opposition. Farmer stated that many Texans are actively fighting to protect their land, air, water, and the state's power grid. She expressed hope that public advocacy would influence elected representatives, despite no immediate legislative action being underway.