A community group opposed to large-scale data center development in Matagorda County will host a public forum next week examining the economic, infrastructure and environmental impacts of data centers, organizers announced.
The event, titled “The Cost of Data Centers,” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds, 4511 FM 2668 in Bay City.
According to promotional materials, featured speakers include Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who is expected to discuss concerns surrounding agricultural resources and infrastructure. Also scheduled to speak is Clayton Tucker, a candidate for agriculture commissioner who is described by organizers as a subject matter expert on data center issues.
Additional speakers include software engineer Mike Rice, who organizers say has expertise in telecommunications, networking and data center architecture, and water advocate Kenneth Schusterreit, known for work involving groundwater protection and rural resource management in Texas.
The event is being hosted by Matagorda Against Data Centers, a local advocacy group that has raised concerns about the effects of large-scale computing facilities on water resources, electrical demand, land use and rural communities.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to RSVP through a QR code included on event materials. No information was immediately available regarding public comment opportunities or whether additional speakers may be added.
Texas Reporter 