Energy & Environment

As more and more data center developers submit proposals to build in Texas, questions about how they will impact Texas' grid and contribute to drought conditions across the state are widespread.

A plan to build a network of 765 kV transmission lines to bolster the state's power grid has come under intense opposition from landowners in its path and others.

Thirteen years ago, when Texas created the tax deal for data centers, state lawmakers expected to lose — at most — $14 million in tax revenue in Texas' next 2-year budget cycle. Now, state projections show it could lead to Texas forgoing more than $3 billion in the 2028-29 biennium.

Energy experts say a growth in solar power and other renewables will help the state avoid rolling blackouts during peak demand on the power grid.

Leaders promised a lot of change after floodwaters tore through Kerr County in 2025, killing more than 100 people. A year later, where do things stand?

Texas has 32 proposed natural gas power plants tied to Al data centers, the report found — raising concerns about air pollution, water use and public health as the industry expands.

Over the last month, Governor Greg Abbott has announced more than $400 million in grants to energy providers outside the state’s ERCOT system as part of a new funding program to upgrade electrical infrastructure across the state. Our Brad Burt reports this includes $113 million for Xcel customers in the South Plains and Panhandle, where downed power lines have been linked to devastating wildfires. Meanwhile, Abbott's opposition to data centers continues to grow, a reversal of his invitation to data centers moving to Texas last year.

Repairs to vital infrastructure were abruptly put on hold with little explanation, impacting the park's most popular area.

Development of large-scale data centers is booming across the Midwest and South. As some communities push back, local and state governments are trying to catch up on how to regulate the new development.

Ag Commissioner Sid Miller has proposed a temporary moratorium on data center development.