Inside Texas Politics | Full Interview on data center concerns with Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warns about the critical impact of data centers on Texas's electricity grid and calls for immediate legislative action, including a moratorium. He criticizes Governor Abbott for not acting decisively, suggesting the delay benefits data center developers. Miller emphasizes strong local opposition to these projects across rural Texas.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller expressed grave concerns about the rapid expansion of data centers in Texas, labeling it the state's most serious issue. He warned that if all currently approved data centers come online, their electricity consumption could exceed five times the state's current peak capacity of 85 gigawatts, stressing the urgency for immediate action as "the clock is ticking."
Miller criticized Governor Greg Abbott for not calling a special legislative session, which he believes would allow data center developers and their investors to accelerate projects and be "grandfathered in" before new regulations can be enacted. Miller had previously called for a one-year moratorium to give the legislature time to address the issue and establish "guard wells."
The Commissioner highlighted that the current timeline, waiting for the regular legislative session in January and laws taking effect in September 2027, is too slow given the impending energy demands. He also noted that Governor Abbott reportedly advised ERCOT to approve electric connections in batches, further enabling rapid development, which Miller characterized as "talking out of both sides."
Miller emphasized the widespread opposition in rural Texas communities to data center developments, stating that while some landowners benefit from high land prices, "their neighbors hate it, and the community hates it." He predicted that county commissioners and city council members who back these projects would be voted out of office. Miller urged Republicans to lead on this issue to protect consumers and rural Texans, asserting that "data centers are by far in the front" of public concern.