From Temple to the Capitol: Bell County Residents Take the Data Center Fight to Austin

Rural Texans have had it with the proliferation of data centers in the state, and Thursday, they have a chance to make their feelings known at a Texas House Committee meeting. 

 Texas House Committee to Tackle Rapid Data Center Expansion 

As the landscape of Central Texas continues to transform with what seems to be one new data center after the other, the Texas House Committee on State Affairs is convening a pivotal hearing Thursday, April 9, at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol. According to KCEN, the session aims to address the explosive growth of data centers, an industry that has brought anxiety to the Lone Star State. 

A Growing Footprint in Central Texas 

Texas is currently a titan in the digital infrastructure space, with over 300 operating data centers with another 100 projects in the pipeline. This growth has been felt in a major way in Central Texas, where cities like Lacy Lakeview, Waco, and Temple have become hotspots for development. In Temple specifically, Rowan Digital Infrastructure has moved forward with plans for multiple massive facilities. 

Balancing Innovation and Resources 

The hearing comes at a time when lawmakers and residents are weighing the "AI race" against the preservation of local resources. Key concerns raised by residents and community leaders include: 

• Power Grid Reliability: With Texas's unique grid, the massive electricity demand of these centers is a primary concern. 

• Water Consumption: While some companies in Bell County have pledged to use closed-circuit water systems, the sheer volume of water needed for cooling in other projects remains a point of contention. The closed-circuit system also only works up to a temperature of 86 degrees. Texas temperatures can be in the mid 80’s in the ead of winter. 

• Economic ROI: While construction creates a temporary boom, a fully operational center typically only needs 48 to 50 permanent jobs. This has led to questions regarding the fairness of long-term tax abatements. 

A Call for Public Input 

State officials are looking into whether data centers should be required to generate their own electricity or even contribute power back to the grid. Central Texans are urged to participate by submitting digital comments through the Texas House website. The deadline for public comment coincides with the end of the hearing on April 9.