Texas farmers warn data center expansion threatens farmland and water supplies

In Texas, the rapid rollout of data centers is crowding out traditional farming, as exemplified by Cheyenne Buerger’s experience losing 600 acres to a Google facility and being given a 60-day deadline to vacate. Statewide, at least 248 centers are slated, many in rural zones that already host 67% of the nation’s facilities, intensifying competition for land, water and electricity. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned that paving over the state’s most productive soils could permanently reduce farmable acreage, while candidates for the agriculture commission seat propose a pause and financial contributions from data center operators to address water scarcity.

Water experts note that even closed-loop cooling systems will add strain to the already depleted Ogallala Aquifer, potentially shortening its usable lifespan. The issue has drawn attention from Governor Greg Abbott and local ranchers, who see both risk and opportunity in the new infrastructure.