While Texans struggle with the rising cost of everything, big tech companies are getting tax breaks to build energy-hungry data centers. These massive facilities are being built at an unprecedented pace, driven by AI, cloud computing, and cryptocurrency.
Data centers can use as much electricity as a small city, guzzle up millions of gallons of water every day, and Texas leaders are already handing out tax breaks and incentives to some of the world’s largest corporations while everyday Texans struggle to pay for groceries, medications, and to keep the lights on.
Thousands of Texans - from the Panhandle to DFW, San Marcos, San Antonio, and South Texas - are concerned about their communities’ futures, and are pushing back against data center development. Many are calling for a moratorium on new data centers and AI projects until safeguards are in place, a topic that’s being addressed in both Republican and Democratic party platforms. While a moratorium is unlikely in the near future without a special legislative session, this moment presents a critical opportunity to establish policies that protect Texans from the costs, pollution, and resource demands of rapid AI and data center expansion.
Texas must set clear, responsible standards. The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter believes:
- Large energy users should pay their fair share - not pass costs onto families
- Data centers should use clean energy and not drive new fossil fuel development
- Companies must protect our water, use the best and most efficient technology to save water, and limit use in drought-prone areas
- Texas must establish better standards for back up generators that can pollute our air and impact health
- Communities deserve transparency and a real voice before projects are approved
Add your name if you agree that Texas needs responsible safeguards that put people, not corporate profits, first.
