Paxton opens investigation into Texas data centers that haven’t reported water usage

Published September 24, 2026 12:15pm ET



Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into the state’s data centers that haven’t reported their water usage.

The investigation underscores concerns that large-scale data center developments consume enormous amounts of water to cool their computer servers. The Lone Star State is already undergoing a water shortage, so the state is taking steps to ensure that its water supplies are not depleted by the infrastructure that powers artificial intelligence.

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