Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into hundreds of data center developments across the state, focusing on whether they responded to a Texas Water Development Board water-use survey.
The board surveys entities that use groundwater or surface water for municipal, industrial, power generation and mining purposes. According to Paxton’s office, some data center developments have not responded. The attorney general’s office said it is seeking complete, accurate, and current information about their water use.
“My office is currently investigating hundreds of data center developments to ensure that they are transparent about their water usage and fully compliant with the law,” Paxton said in a statement. He said the state must protect its water and energy supplies as data center development continues.
The initial investigation includes developments in counties across Texas, including Lubbock, Potter, Randall, Midland and Ector counties, as well as several major metropolitan areas. Paxton’s office did not identify individual developments or say how many it is investigating in each county.
