Data Centers in Texas Face Criticism Over Water Use Reporting

The issue of data centers in Texas not disclosing their water usage has come under scrutiny. A lobby group criticized the punishment for non-compliance as insufficient. This topic gained attention as data centers continue to expand rapidly in Texas, requiring significant water for operations, especially in the lead-up to November’s midterms.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, alongside their Democratic counterparts, have addressed data center developments amid rising public concern. Abbott warned of penalties for facilities failing to report water use, but the imposed punishment—a $500 fine—is viewed as too lenient by many.

Response from Advocacy Groups

According to Kathryn Guerra from Public Citizen, a $500 penalty is inadequate to encourage disclosure. She emphasized that no region has unlimited water resources, particularly Texas. Guerra advocates for more stringent enforcement of water usage reporting requirements.

Governor Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, stated that data centers must manage their electricity and water usage responsibly to reduce costs and minimize neighborhood disruption. Efforts to gain further comments from Paxton’s office are ongoing.

Current Data Center Reporting Requirements

Texas is a major hub for data centers, hosting nearly 700 facilities. State law has mandated water usage reporting since 2020. Non-compliance can lead to a Class C misdemeanor, potential fines, and denial of state funding or permits.

Guerra pointed out that few data centers have complied with these surveys. A grass-roots movement has pressured state leadership to enforce these laws. Despite over 300 centers being surveyed in recent years, less than a third have responded.

Political Reactions and Initiatives

With water usage becoming a significant public issue, political figures like Abbott and his opponents are addressing it directly. Governor Abbott instructed state agencies to withhold permits until comprehensive audits on water usage by data centers are completed. His opponent, Gina Hinojosa, pushes for a statewide pause on new data centers until legislative measures protect residents.

Texas Attorney General candidate Ken Paxton initiated investigations into non-compliant data centers across several counties. Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico criticized the data center industry for its impact and campaign plans to impose stricter regulations.

As election campaigns unfold, candidates emphasize regulation changes and environmental responsibilities linked with the burgeoning data center sector in Texas.