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.
For that reason, she urged the governor to consider an “immediate pause” on new large-scale data center development in rural communities until local officials and residents have the opportunity to fully evaluate the long-term impacts on infrastructure and natural resources.
Kerwin also asked Abbott to consider appointing a working group composed of subject matter experts and elected officials to study the long-term effects of the industry’s rapid expansion. Such a group could examine water consumption standards, impacts on grid interconnection within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, and transparency requirements for projects seeking significant access to local resources.
In particular, Kerwin said there should be a clear pathway for mandatory public notice and citizen input when projects request major water usage or large electric grid connections through agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Kerwin’s concerns echo warnings raised earlier this year by the Republican Party of Texas. The party’s executive committee adopted a resolution highlighting the significant water demands associated with artificial intelligence data centers.
The resolution noted that each AI data center could require up to five million gallons of water per day for cooling and operational needs.
Party leaders suggested that lawmakers consider standards requiring data centers to follow water recycling and management practices similar to those used in the oil and gas industry, including the use of recycled water and interconnected storage systems designed to minimize withdrawals from Texas aquifers.
The resolution also called for technologies that convert heat generated by computer chips into power, which could help reduce strain on the state’s electric grid.
Kerwin emphasized that Texas should continue to pursue technological growth while ensuring that the development is managed responsibly.
“I look forward to working with you to ensure that Texas approaches this rapidly evolving sector with both vision and responsibility,” she wrote.
