The Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs held an interim hearing focusing on water usage for data centers, which are becoming increasingly significant in the upcoming elections and the next legislative session. Chairman Charles Perry noted the political implications of data centers, acknowledging both responsible and irresponsible operators, specifically criticizing Beacon Data Centers for their lack of communication with local authorities.
Perry emphasized the need for understanding and regulation in the booming data center industry, which he feels has not been adequately addressed. He pointed to past legislation that provided tax incentives for data centers, clarifying that the current political rhetoric blaming legislators for these incentives is inaccurate.
Temple McKinnon from the Texas Water Development Board reported that a water use survey targeted 341 facilities, receiving only a 30% response rate. State officials highlighted concerns over compliance with legal requirements regarding water usage data.
Experts discussed the potential for using produced water from oil and gas extraction to cool data centers, while representatives from companies like QTS and Google addressed their sustainability efforts. However, there are calls for better communication between data center operators and local governments to ensure proper planning and resource allocation.
Several lawmakers voiced concerns about surveillance associated with data centers and the lack of awareness among local officials regarding their establishment. The discussion underscored the need for clarity and engagement between private developers and local communities regarding data center operations.
