Texas is experiencing a sudden surge in data center developments. Three of the most pressing issues are water shortages, strain on the power grid, and environmental noise, which continue to grow in severity and complexity. 

We urgently call upon Governor Abbott to convene a special session of the Texas State Legislature to address these concerns effectively.

Water Scarcity: Data centers can consume vast amounts of water for cooling purposes. In regions already grappling with water scarcity, this excessive usage intensifies the pressure on local water resources, potentially leading to shortages for residents and agriculture. A special legislative session could propose effective regulations on water usage, ensuring that both the needs of communities and the data centers are met sustainably.

Power Grid Strain: The increasing energy demands from data centers pose a significant risk to Texas's power grid, already notorious for its vulnerabilities. The state experienced widespread outages in recent memory, highlighting the critical need for infrastructure improvements. Legislators could utilize the session to develop strategic plans to diversify energy sources and enforce resilience in our power systems, ensuring reliable electricity access for all Texans.

Environmental Noise: The continuous operational noise from data centers is affecting nearby residents' quality of life. Inadequate noise-control measures can lead to health issues ranging from sleep disturbances to cardiovascular problems. Introducing mandatory noise regulations during the special session could help mitigate this, providing relief to communities.

Sign this petition to urge the Texas State Legislature to take action now and protect Texas land owners from the harmful effects of hyperscale data centers.