Not so fast: Texas doesn’t know enough about the downsides of data centers | Opinion
Study first
Every resident of Texas should contact state and federal representatives urging them to pause construction of data centers until rigid regulations are in place. Among important considerations are water, power, noise and emissions — not to mention tax breaks. We should study whether more centers are even needed.
The time has come to put a leash on developers looking to become millionaires by destroying this state with unnecessary construction.
- Ron Simpson, Willow Park
And next?
The Supreme Court has now backhanded President Donald Trump on tariffs, with opposing votes including two of his handpicked appointees. Now, will the justices set aside some of Trump’s other power grabs? One can only hope.
- Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth
Hands out
After the Supreme Court decided that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal, many Americans are asking about refunds. Those who opposed tariffs and spoke out should get priority, but odds are those who support Trump and tariffs will quietly be the first to have their hands out.
- Gabrielle Gordon, unincorporated Tarrant County
Real savings
The benefits of renewable energy for Texas consumers are clear. The power in my electric plan is 100% renewable, and in January, my rate per kilowatt hour actually decreased. Meanwhile, my natural gas bill from Atmos more than doubled, illustrating how volatile traditional energy prices can be.
This shows that renewables can help keep energy costs more predictable and affordable for households. As Texans face rising living expenses, investing in wind, solar and other clean energy sources is both environmentally responsible and economically smart.
Renewable energy isn’t a future promise — it is already helping families like mine manage costs and avoid the spikes associated with fossil fuels.
- Andrea Christgau, Keller
Disaster-ready
Gov. Greg Abbott should establish the Texas Forever Fund for disaster relief. With a $24 billion budget surplus, the state can afford to invest $500 million in permanent recovery infrastructure.
Survivors of the July 2025 floods, Houston hurricanes and 2021 winter storm have united to call for this fund because we’ve lived through the failures of our system. When the floods hit my town, many were cut off from resources.
Disasters are becoming more frequent. Many of our leaders know this and have pledged their support. The Texas Forever Fund would allow families like mine to finally have the resources to rebuild our lives.
- Auburne Gallagher, Leander
This story was originally published February 27, 2026 at 5:03 AM.