Texas Lawmaker Urges Pause On Rural Data Centers Over Water & Grid Strain

State Representative Helen Kerwin, a North Texas lawmaker, has formally urged Governor Greg Abbott to consider an immediate pause on large-scale data center development in rural Texas. Kerwin's letter to the governor highlights increasing concerns from her constituents regarding the cumulative impact of hyperscale data centers on local water resources and the state's electric grid. Her district, which includes the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, has already seen one hyperscale data center finalize plans in Somervell County, with more potentially on the way. Kerwin emphasizes that while Texas needs to remain competitive in technology, foundational policies must be established correctly. She proposes a working group of experts and elected officials to study the industry's rapid expansion, focusing on water consumption standards, grid interconnection impacts within ERCOT, and public transparency for projects seeking significant resource access from agencies like TCEQ and PUC. These concerns align with a resolution adopted earlier by the Republican Party of Texas, which also warned about the substantial water demands of AI data centers, noting they can require up to five million gallons daily for cooling. The party suggested implementing water recycling and management practices similar to the oil and gas industry and exploring technologies to convert heat into power to reduce grid strain. Kerwin aims to ensure responsible management alongside technological growth.