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State Rep. Kerwin Urges Pause on Hyperscale Data Centers, Cites Water and Grid Concerns
Summary
State Rep. Helen Kerwin told the Johnson County court that Texas has seen rapid growth in data centers and urged the governor to pause approvals until studies and guidelines protect rural communities’ water and power; she also announced moving her district office to Joshua.
State Rep. Helen Kerwin addressed the Johnson County Commissioners Court on March 9, warning county leaders about rapid expansion of data centers across Texas and asking the governor to pause further approvals until the state completes studies and issues guidance.
Kerwin said the number of data centers she tracked had grown dramatically since she began campaigning, and that the county should prepare for proposals that could affect water and power in rural areas. “When I learned the statistics and the impact that these centers are having across Texas, I am terrified,” she said. Kerwin noted Somerville County recently approved a hyperscale installation and described a nearby transmission-line controversy tied to that project.
Commissioners and staff discussed local control, water demand and utility impacts. Commissioner Bailey emphasized the need for facts rather than fears and noted local electrical cooperatives’ capacities vary; Judge Barker said the court had met with legal counsel representing MUD districts to better understand notice procedures and said the county will seek to be informed earlier in the process.
Kerwin also announced her district office will rotate periodically through House District 58 communities and that she plans to relocate the base office from Cleburne to Joshua to maintain closer access for constituents.
Kerwin asked the court to review her letter to the governor and offered to keep the commissioners informed if the statewide call-to-action results in formal steps.
