Gray Matter TX

The data center conversation in rural Texas is moving fast, and decisions are being made without voters and in the interest of profit not land or environment. SaveRuralTexas.com is a group of concerned citizens looking to protect their legacy and get the right questions asked. We need members not money. Sign up today and lets protect our children's and our land's future.

The conversation delves into the rapid growth of data centers and their impact on the community. It explores the power and water needs, environmental concerns, and the long-term impact of data center development. Additionally, it highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues. The conversation covers the impact of tax abatements and job promises, the community's legacy and impact, the lack of community involvement in decision-making, and environmental and infrastructure concerns. It delves into the implications of these factors on the community and the need for better community engagement in decision-making processes.TakeawaysData center development impactCommunity involvement Tax abatements and job promisesCommunity impact and legacyLack of community involvement in decision-makingEnvironmental and infrastructure concernsChapters00:00 Introduction to Data Center Growth07:40 The Data Center Conversation13:50 Environmental and Long-Term Impact35:37 Tax Abatements and Job Promises45:11 Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns

The Data Center boom is a bubble.  The data does not align with demand; it is a rush to market on a major hedge made by massive developers to meet the “future” data demands of AI, crypto, and others.  However, the data needs to align with demand, as in the tech bubble of the late 90s and the housing bubble of 2008.  Data Centers will be overbuilt and suck the life out of rural communities.  There is one simple reason they are targeting rural communities, and it has nothing to do with “future data needs.”  They are here for one reason only - access to an easy negotiation:RED FLAG There are no “independent” studies on the long-term effects, only purchased reports from lobby groups and politically incentivised tech watchdogsThere are no job opportunities at Data Centers.Construction will not be done by local contractors.The required power will crush small rural grids, forcing homeowners to pick up the tab for the revised infrastructure.The amount of water needed will force new wells and demands that local municipalities cannot meet.If you lose the negotiation before the agreements are signed...Charge the data center an exceptionally higher property tax.Add infrastructure needs to improve your community (sewage treatment, wells, road repair, traffic signals etc)DO NOT provide any abatements based on “guaranteed jobs” - these do not exist, and there are plenty of examples of this in Iowa and Montana.Stay close to these conversations and let your voice be heard.  Help your local officials and state reps with these negotiations and be a part of the conversation.  

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