Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Commissioner Wayne Christian praised remarks by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on responsible data center growth, according to an Oct. 22 news release from the commission.
The agency said Wright, during a Tuesday visit to Houston, highlighted the economic opportunities of data center expansion, the importance of investing in energy infrastructure and a $50 million U.S. Department of Energy investment in Texas grid resilience.
“Data centers are the next great industrial revolution,” Christian said in the release. “Supporting their growth and our expanding economy requires abundant, reliable and affordable energy. Before building costly new infrastructure, the fastest way to add power and improve grid reliability is to strengthen the infrastructure we already have.”
Christian added that political rhetoric surrounding data centers has overshadowed practical solutions, according to the release. “Unfortunately, persistent misinformation has distorted the debate over data centers, sensationalizing the challenges while ignoring practical solutions,” he said.
His proposed approach, as described in the release, is to require data center developers to invest in their own reliable power, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than shifting the burden to ratepayers. “Done right, we can protect Texas families, keep electricity costs in check and strengthen grid reliability,” Christian said.
The commissioner also looked ahead to the Legislature. As Texas approaches its 90th Legislative Session, Christian emphasized that lawmakers must respect each Texas community’s decision on data center development, the release said. “Data centers won’t be a fit for every area, but not every Texas town wants to turn away billions of dollars in private investment,” he said. He added that a Texas plan for responsible data center regulation should avoid broad policies that strip local communities of the right to decide their own future.
The Railroad Commission describes itself as the state’s oldest regulatory agency, established in 1891, with jurisdiction over the oil and gas industry, alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines.