State of Texas: Lawmakers to visit Camp Mystic after tense court hearing

Texas is experiencing a boom in data center development, prompting significant concerns from rural communities regarding potential impacts on the electric grid, water demand, and noise. State Representative Helen Kerwin, R-Glen Rose, has written to Governor Greg Abbott, urging him to pause new large-scale data center advancements until rural areas can thoroughly assess the long-term effects on their infrastructure and resources. Rep. Kerwin, alongside community members from the North-Central Texas region, testified at a Johnson County Commissioners' Court meeting in Cleburne, Texas. The primary discussion revolved around a resolution advocating for enhanced regulation of data centers within the state. While most attendees, including the commissioners, expressed support for data centers, they emphasized the need for environmental and resource protections, particularly concerning hyperscale facilities. The Commissioners' Court unanimously approved a non-binding resolution calling for the responsible development of data centers to prevent damage to county resources. However, Johnson County Judge Christopher Boedeker informed attendees that the county believes it lacks the direct authority to halt proposed data center projects. The resolution specifically appeals to the state legislature to enact laws that grant counties meaningful participation and authority in land use, infrastructure planning, and resource impact review for large-scale data center developments. Rep. Kerwin, supporting the county's resolution, confirmed her intention to formally request that Governor Abbott convene a special legislative session. She stated that such a session would allow legislators to return to Austin before their scheduled January 2027 session to pass legislation specifically addressing data center development, thereby aiming to protect local communities' property rights and resources.