A North Texas lawmaker is urging Gov. Greg Abbott to consider pausing the development of large-scale data centers in rural communities, warning that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure could strain local water supplies and the state’s electric grid.
In a letter to the governor, State Rep. Helen Kerwin said she is hearing growing concerns from constituents about the cumulative impact of hyperscale data centers targeting areas with reliable electricity and access to water.
“Texas must remain competitive in the global race for advanced technology, AI, and energy security,” Kerwin wrote. “Because of this, it is imperative that we get the foundational policies right from the beginning.”
Kerwin’s district includes the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, one of the state’s largest sources of baseload power. She noted that the presence of that facility has already begun drawing interest from large-scale data center developers seeking stable electricity and water resources.
According to Kerwin, a hyperscale data center has already finalized plans to locate in Somervell County, and additional projects may follow.
“In my district, I am hearing increasing concern from constituents about the cumulative impact of large-scale data center development on local water resources and power availability,” Kerwin wrote.
