Texas Senate Candidate Slams Data Center Expansion Amid Rural Investments
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico criticized data center expansion in Texas as companies invest millions into rural infrastructure to counter growing public opposition.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico criticized the expansion of data centers in Texas during a October 1 Q&A session with the United States Hispanic Business Council. Talarico argued that these facilities exacerbate the state's affordability crisis and claimed large companies are "running over local communities" without sufficient input. He asserted that companies should be barred from building if they cannot meet community demands regarding energy, water recycling, and local consent.
Talarico also targeted his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, accusing him of lacking independence after allegedly receiving nearly $500,000 in campaign donations from data center firms. Talarico stated he has not accepted any such funds.
These political tensions coincide with a surge in corporate spending in rural Texas. Data center companies have invested over $343 million into infrastructure, schools, and emergency services over the past year. Notable projects include a $38 million water infrastructure investment in Temple by Rowan Digital Infrastructure and a water tower replacement in Turkey by QTS Data Centers. Other firms, such as Google, have committed millions to pipeline repairs and community donations in the Haskell and Vernon areas.
While local officials welcome the funding during periods of inflation and fiscal shortage, a Texas Politics Project poll indicates 57% of respondents oppose data center construction due to concerns over electricity costs, housing, and water usage. Critics suggest these investments are attempts to "buy these communities off" or create unsustainable economic dependencies.
