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Environmental experts say Texas data centers come with uncertainty

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Environmental experts say Texas data centers come with uncertainty


The main switchyard at a Midlothian power plant. The federal government is sending Texas more than $60 million to strengthen the state’s power grid. Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune

Texas is home to approximately 400 data centers — some currently operational, others still under construction and a number that are still in the planning stages. Experts say the boom comes with a lot of uncertainty.

Texas data center power demand

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What they’re saying:

“Data centers are a relatively large power demand in a small area, something like, you know, 100 or 200 megawatts of power. That’s more than a small city or a small town would be consuming itself,” said Carey King, a research scientist with the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

Over the past year, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas has received more than 200 gigawatts worth of large load interconnection requests, approximately 73% of which are from data centers. That has led to questions about whether the state’s grid is up to the task of supplying power to the facilities.

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“Many of us who suffered through winter storm Uri still have PTSD over, you know, fears that the grid won’t be able to meet demand,” said Luke Metzger, the executive director of Environment Texas, a local nonprofit working to safeguard the state’s natural environment.

Question of infrastructure

That’s not the only question. King points out that there is also a question of whether all the proposed data centers will actually be built. He says if they don’t end up materializing, it could spell trouble for anyone making investment decisions based on the projections. And if infrastructure is built to accommodate the needs of projects that never come to fruition, those costs could be passed off to consumers in the form of higher rates.

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Experts say these speculative data center projects have led to uncertainty around how much power will actually be needed to meet the demands of the state’s data centers.

Senate Bill 6, which was signed into law last June, outlined new requirements for data center projects, including stipulating that data centers put up more capital up front for things like transmission studies and interconnection fees. The bill is, in part, intended to reduce some of that uncertainty around speculative power loads.

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Potential environmental impact

But concerns still remain around the potential environmental impact of the state’s data centers.

“There are an estimated 130 new gas-powered power plants that have been proposed for Texas, in part to meet this demand for data centers, and if they’re all built, that’s going to have as much climate pollution as 27 million cars,” said Metzger.

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Above all, Metzger says the biggest uncertainty is water, as there is no central entity in the state that collects and compiles information on those needs.

On average, a single data center consumes millions of gallons of water annually, according to researchers with the University of Michigan. Metzger says that’s of particular concern here in Texas, where water supply is already being pushed to its limits.

“Texas is a very drought-prone state, and already, you know, you know, according to the Water Development Board, you know, we don’t have enough supply to meet demand,” said Metzger. “There is no way to make more water. And so, I think ultimately, you know that that could be the greatest concern for the state.”

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Over the past year, residents across Central Texas have spoken out about data centers in places like Round Rock and Taylor, citing additional concerns including falling property values, noise, and health impacts.

What’s next:

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Moving forward, experts recommend that local leaders undergo long-range planning to determine whether they’re able to allocate limited resources to data centers in the long run prior to approving these projects.

The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 7 interviews with experts. 

TexasTechnologyEnvironment
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Austin, TX

Velocity Credit Union Announces Relocation and Grand Opening of New Southwest Austin Branch

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Velocity Credit Union Announces Relocation and Grand Opening of New Southwest Austin Branch


AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is proud to celebrate the opening of its new Southwest Austin branch, a modern, expanded facility designed to better serve its growing membership across Central Texas. Located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745, the full-service branch opened in late May and offers enhanced convenience, expanded services, and a welcoming space for members and the community.

Image caption: Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The new location replaces Velocity’s former Southwest Austin branch at 4220 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704, as part of the credit union’s continued investment in serving members where they live, work, and thrive.

To mark the opening, Velocity Credit Union hosted a grand opening celebration featuring special product offers, including loan and mortgage discounts, promotional certificate rates, exclusive sweepstakes giveaways, and opportunities for members and community partners to tour the new branch.

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Designed with Members in Mind:

The new Southwest Austin location reflects Velocity’s continued commitment to delivering convenient, modern financial services in a welcoming and flexible environment.

Members will enjoy:

  • Two ITM drive-thru lanes offering 24/7 ATM access or live teller service during business hours
  • A spacious, comfortable branch layout designed for flexibility and a stress-free experience
  • Private offices for confidential conversations about loans, accounts, or financial planning
  • Expanded services to support everything from everyday transactions to complex financial needs

“This new location represents an important investment in our members and our community,” said Debbie Mitchell, President & CEO. “As Central Texas continues to grow, we are committed to growing with it—providing innovative solutions, expanded access, and personalized service every step of the way.”

The new branch will also offer expanded hours for greater convenience:

Lobby Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

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Drive-Thru Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Velocity Credit Union looks forward to welcoming members to this modern facility and continuing help them manage their financial lives with the trusted, personalized service they expect.

For more information, visit: https://www.velocitycu.com/.

About Velocity Credit Union

Velocity Credit Union has served Central Texans for more than 75 years with a mission to provide exceptional financial products, personal service, and support for the communities it serves. Membership is open to those who live or work in the five-county Austin area. Velocity Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Equal Housing Lender.

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Photo 300dpi: https://www.velocitycu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Velocity-Southwest-Austin-Branch-4×6-1.jpg

Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

News Source: Velocity Credit Union



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Austin, TX

Crash closes US 290 at Fitzhugh Road in both directions in Austin

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Crash closes US 290 at Fitzhugh Road in both directions in Austin


AUSTIN (KXAN) – Both directions of U.S. Highway 290 at Fitzhugh Road are closed due to a crash, according to TxDOT.

Details about the crash and any injuries were not immediately available.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the roadway.

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Austin, TX

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media

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Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media


Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. (Tony Gutierrez | AP)

A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet last year.

It came just hours after Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing. He faced up to life in prison.

Jurors had the option of finding him guilty of manslaughter or murder if they didn’t find him not guilty. The two charges are distinguished by intent. Murder means the jury believed Anthony “knowingly” caused Metcalf’s death.

During the trial’s punishment phase, Anthony’s mother Kayla Hayes asked the jury for mercy.

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“He’s my oldest, he’s my first born, he will always be my baby,” she said. “I love him very much.”

She was asked if she believed her son had any regrets.

“Yes, I know my son,” she said. “He’s very sorry for what he did.”

“Please have mercy on my son,” she added.

During closing arguments in the punishment phase, Anthony’s defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged how difficult the decision was for the jury and asked them to consider sudden passion in determining their punishment. They don’t have to be sure, he said — they only need to believe Anthony felt terror in the moment.

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“I can only ask you to consider both sides, to follow your hearts, and to follow the law,” he said.

Prosecutor attorney Bill Wirskye argued in response that sudden passion, by definition, “does not apply to this case and this set of facts.”

He asked the jury to consider a life sentence, telling jurors, “mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.”

“Regardless of what you do today, plenty of life sentences have already been handed out in this case,” he said to the jury.

The decision comes after both sides rested their case Monday afternoon. Anthony’s defense lasted two days and ended without him taking the stand. Prosecutors argued the stabbing was an unjustified attack on Metcalf, while the defense said Anthony acted in self defense.

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The case has drawn national attention and controversy over the race of both teens. Anthony is Black and victim was white. None of the jurors were Black.

Several schools were competing when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers. Metcalf and others had repeatedly told Anthony to leave, witnesses testified, leading to an escalating confrontation.

During the nearly weeklong trial, prosecutors said that Anthony provoked Metcalf, and witnesses have testified that Anthony was the aggressor.

Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and replied: “Touch me and see what happens,” according to a police report.

Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest. The teens, both from Frisco, didn’t know each other.

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The trial drew lines of spectators hoping to find seats in the gallery and unfolded amid heavy security at the Collin County courthouse. As police officers watched Tuesday, dozens of people stood outside the courthouse in 90 degree heat to await the verdict. There were wails of grief from one woman — “This isn’t real!” — when the result became known.

Got a tip? Email Emily DeMotte at edemotte@kera.org or Dylan Duke at dduke@kera.org.

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.



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