How Much Water? Paxton Demands Answers From 156 Texas Data Center Projects
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent water-use reporting letters to 156 data center developments across 32 counties, including projects in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties. The investigation seeks to ensure compliance with water-reporting laws and protect state resources, but Paxton has not identified the recipients or announced project-specific penalties.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton directed water-use reporting letters to 156 data center developments in 32 counties, including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties. His office said the investigation is intended to assess compliance with Texas law and protect communities, taxpayers and water resources as data center construction accelerates.
The Texas Water Development Board requires applicable facilities to submit water-use information for state and regional planning. Failure to respond can affect eligibility for certain funding and water-right permits and may constitute a Class C misdemeanor. Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the board to enforce the reporting law and refer violations to prosecutors and environmental regulators, but no individual developments, water-use figures or penalties have been disclosed.