This browser does not support the Video element.
FILE – Data center controversy is hot topic at Texas Capitol
A group of advocates is calling for more environmental protections from the effects of data centers. This comes as a Senate committee is looking at how much revenue the state may have lost by giving tax exemptions to data centers.
AUSTIN, Texas - Meta, the parent company of Facebook, said Monday it endorses the new data center standards in Texas.
What we know:
The standards put forward by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott call for the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to review data center projects to ensure, among other things, that they pay for their own electric infrastructure, reuse their own water and reduce their reliance on government subsidies.
Meta said in its statement that the company already pays the full costs of energy used by its data centers, as well as for water and wastewater usage.
Texas Gov. Abbott defends data center pause after Trump calls policy a ‘mistake’
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott defended his decision to pause new data center approvals over power grid and water concerns after Donald Trump criticized the policy as an economic mistake.
What they're saying:
"Whether it’s creating jobs, growing opportunities for local businesses, or improving energy and water infrastructure, we’re committed to strengthening communities and paying our own way," the company said in its statement.
"I established clear guardrails to ensure data centers protect our electric grid, conserve our water, respect our neighborhoods, and pay their own way," Abbott said in his statement about Meta's announcement. "They must not pass costs on to Texas families or interfere with their quality of life."
Willie Nelson slams ‘water thieving’ data centers in Texas
Willie Nelson is urging residents to oppose an AI data center planned near his hometown of Abbott, Texas.
The backstory:
According to Abbott, Meta is the latest company to announce intentions to comply with new data center standards in Texas. He said OpenAI, Amazon, Google and QTS have also agreed to adhere to the new standards.
A company called Diode Ventures said it will not proceed with a project in Henderson County.
Henderson County data center plans scrapped by developer
Diode Ventures has withdrawn plans for a data center near Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County.
Big picture view:
Data centers have become a central issue of gubernatorial candidates after backlash from Texans concerned about increased energy costs, water resources and the reliability of the state’s power grid.
Abbott himself has appeared to pivot on the issue, after calling Texas the "epicenter" of AI development late last year.
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic candidate for governor, has called for a moratorium on new data center approvals in Texas.
The Source: Information in this story came from Meta, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and previous FOX Local reporting.