Abbott endorses data center near Dinosaur Valley, angers grassroots group
Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed the proposed Comanche Circle data center in Texas, asserting its compliance with state directives on water conservation and electric grid protection. However, the nonprofit Protect the Paluxy disputes this, citing the project's lack of approved water sources and power generation, and is advocating for a moratorium on new data centers.
Governor Greg Abbott recently endorsed the Comanche Circle data center, a proposed 2,100-acre campus spanning the Hood and Somervell county line in Texas. Abbott stated the project would comply with his directives requiring data centers to adhere to guidelines for water conservation and electric grid protection. Ryan Hughes, managing partner of Sailfish Investors, affirmed Comanche Circle's commitment, highlighting its design with privately funded infrastructure, dedicated onsite generation, closed-loop cooling, and separation from residential areas.
However, the grassroots nonprofit Protect the Paluxy has challenged the Governor's endorsement, calling Comanche Circle a "bad actor" and suggesting the directive offers "political cover" to a "speculative developer." The group noted that Comanche Circle currently lacks approved water sources and a power generation connection, pointing out that NRG withdrew its TCEQ permit application in June. Concerns also include potential drainage from the data center impacting the Paluxy River, a significant attraction for visitors to Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Protect the Paluxy is actively advocating for a comprehensive moratorium on all new data centers until robust regulations are established to safeguard rural communities, water supplies, and public state parks. The organization believes the project poses a threat to the natural environment and local resources despite the developer's assurances.