Texas Governor Demands Data Centers Disclose Water Use, Threatens Penalties

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive to state regulators, instructing them to penalize data centers that fail to comply with laws mandating the disclosure of their water usage. Abbott emphasized that data centers have a responsibility to contribute to the protection of the state's water resources, particularly in drought-prone regions.

The governor's statement specifically referenced the Texas Water Code, which requires complete and accurate water use surveys. He directed the Texas Water Development Board to utilize its enforcement powers to address past non-compliance and to impose legal consequences for any future failures to report water consumption. This action signals a heightened focus on the water footprint of the technology sector within the state.