AUSTIN, TX — A North Texas state representative is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to impose an immediate pause on new large-scale data center developments until rural communities can fully assess long-term impacts on water supplies and electric power.
In a letter dated March 12, state Rep. Helen Kerwin, R-District 58, said constituents in her district are raising increasing concerns about the cumulative effects of data center growth amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. District 58 is home to the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, a major source of reliable baseload power. Kerwin noted that a hyperscale data center has already finalized plans to locate in Somervell County, with indications that more projects could advance quickly.
“Texas must remain competitive in the global race for advanced technology, AI, and energy security, especially as we compete with China and other hostile foreign nations,” Kerwin stated. “The AI revolution is advancing at a pace that exceeds the industrial and technological revolutions that came before it.”
She urged an “IMMEDIATE PAUSE” on new developments so rural areas can evaluate effects on critical resources and infrastructure. Kerwin also requested an executive working group of experts and elected officials to study water consumption standards, ERCOT grid interconnection impacts and transparency requirements.
Additionally, she called for mandatory public notice and citizen input when projects seek significant water usage or major power connections through state agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Similar concerns have been raised by local officials in neighboring North Texas counties, Kerwin said.
This all comes as a proposed data center may be built in San Angelo in the future. The site is northeast of the city, near U.S. Highway 67 North and City Farm Road on city-owned property.
The San Angelo City Council held a second reading on a proposed zone change for the property on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The zone change was approved 6-1.
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