Tucker, Miller team up to tackle Data Centers in Matagorda County
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Democratic nominee Clayton Tucker found common ground in Matagorda County at a public forum to discuss concerns about data center development. The event highlighted bipartisan opposition to large-scale data center projects, focusing on their potential impact on water supplies, farmland, and energy infrastructure in rural Texas. Residents and officials urged continued organization against these developments, citing worries about local resources.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Republican, and Clayton Tucker, the Democratic nominee for agriculture commissioner, teamed up in Matagorda County for a public forum on data center development concerns. The event, titled "The Cost of Data Centers" and held on June 11 at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds, focused on the potential impacts of AI data centers on water supplies, farmland, energy infrastructure, and rural communities in Texas.
Both Miller and Tucker framed the issue as non-partisan, emphasizing its effects on rural residents regardless of political affiliation. Miller expressed concerns about data centers using fertile farmland and consuming large amounts of water and electricity, suggesting tax breaks for companies building on less desirable land and requiring them to provide their own resources. He also mentioned working on legislation to limit foreign companies from buying Texas land or using local resources. Tucker, who supports no data centers, encouraged attendees to organize against these projects, stating that "organized people" can overcome the "organized money for data centers."
Local residents voiced concerns about the strain data centers could place on the county's water, power, and land resources, as well as the transparency of local officials regarding potential developments. While proponents cite potential jobs and tax revenue, opponents argue these benefits must be weighed against environmental and infrastructural costs. The joint appearance of Miller and Tucker underscored the growing bipartisan concern over data center growth in rural Texas.