Texans are demanding their local governments push pause on #DataCenters. Can they?
Texans from Waco to Harlingen are raising concerns over how much energy and water data centers are poised to use. Local officials, some enticed by a tax boon, say they have little power to stop the rush.
By Berenice Garcia and Sam Shaw, Feb. 13, 2026
Excerpt: "In many of these places, Texans are demanding local elected officials intervene.
"The small town of Lacy Lakeview north of Waco is partnering with the developer #Infrakey on a proposed $10 billion data center, drawing an organized opposition campaign from rural neighbors around the 520-acre site.
"Since November, the opposition has circulated a petition with some 3,000 signatures, created a Facebook group and website and held regular strategy meetings that have been attended by political leaders such as state Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco.
"Rena Schroeder, a Republican candidate for Texas Senate District 22, has also made appearances at the meetings, promoting herself as the voice for rural data center opponents.
"Similar grassroots resistance efforts are taking place across the state. "
Read more:
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/02/13/texas-data-centers-local-governments-power/
#ResistDatacenters #Texas #Datacentres #DatacenterMoratorium #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #NoEnergyForAI