Texas Data Center Boom Collides with Transparency Push

Texas is seeing a surge in data centers, but information about projects is uneven at best due to nondisclosure agreements, shell companies, and private negotiations that shield ownership, water use, and power needs from residents and officials. In response, Governor Abbott has paused approvals and lawmakers are pushing for stronger reporting requirements as watchdogs note about 248 planned projects and 34 counties calling for more transparency.