Texans Demand Pause on Data Centers as Local Governments Struggle to Respond

Residents raise concerns over energy and water usage, but officials say they have limited power to restrict data center development.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Texans across the state, from Waco to Harlingen, are voicing concerns over the growing number of data centers and the strain they could place on local resources like energy and water. While some city and county officials are trying to be proactive by considering potential guardrails, they say they have limited authority to outright restrict data center development. Experts note that cities can use zoning and utility control to influence data center projects, while counties have fewer tools but can negotiate tax abatement agreements to impose certain conditions.

Why it matters

The rapid expansion of data centers in Texas has sparked a backlash from residents who worry about the centers' potential impact on the local environment and economy. As these facilities require significant amounts of energy and water, there are concerns that they could strain already-limited resources and negatively affect communities. The debate highlights the tension between economic development and environmental protection, as well as the challenges local governments face in balancing the interests of businesses and residents.

The details

Residents like Lozano in Harlingen fear that data centers will "use us for our water and our energy, not provide jobs, not provide economic stability, and I'm afraid it could literally destroy the town." Local officials, such as Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, have acknowledged their limited authority, stating the county has "limited ability to restrict that business's operations" if a data center complies with applicable standards and requirements. However, some cities like College Station and Bryan are considering potential guardrails for future data center proposals. Experts note that while cities can use zoning and utility control to influence data centers, counties have fewer tools but can negotiate tax abatement agreements to impose certain conditions, such as road repair, local hiring, and environmental safeguards.

  • In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 6, which gave the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) the power to oversee energy transactions between power generators and large consumers like data centers.
  • In February 2026, the State Republican Executive Committee passed a resolution calling for "rigorous independent assessments" of proposed data center projects and their impact on the grid and water resources before final approval.

The players

Lozano

A Harlingen resident who is concerned that data centers will use the town's water and energy resources without providing sufficient jobs or economic stability.

Eddie Treviño

The Cameron County Judge who stated the county has "limited ability to restrict" data center operations if they comply with applicable standards and requirements.

Trey Wilson

A real estate lawyer from San Antonio with experience in land use law and who served as counsel to water districts in Texas.

Nicholas Miller

A policy associate with the National Conference of State Legislatures who notes that data centers are "keenly aware of incentives" when deciding where to locate.

Jeff Snowden

The principal at Capex Consulting Group, a Frisco-based financial consultancy specializing in tax abatement negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“I'm afraid that what's going to happen is that we're going to be used by the folks who run these data centers. They'll use us for our water and our energy, not provide jobs, not provide economic stability, and I'm afraid it could literally destroy the town.”

— Lozano, Harlingen resident (myparistexas.com)

“When a business seeks to invest in Cameron County and complies with all applicable standards, permitting requirements, and resource arrangements that fall outside the Cameron Court's authority, we have limited ability to restrict that business's operations.”

— Eddie Treviño, Cameron County Judge (myparistexas.com)

“They are keenly aware of incentives. In a state like Texas, where state-level regulation is already set, if you're just comparing cities or just comparing counties, whether or not a particular city or county is willing to offer an incentive, I think, would be a pretty significant factor.”

— Nicholas Miller, Policy associate, National Conference of State Legislatures (myparistexas.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.