Lubbock Chronicle Staff
State Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock said Friday he filed Senate Bill 338 to set statewide rules for how future data centers use water and to address noise and light near homes. The proposal comes as Lubbock residents have urged the City Council to pause local data center development.
According to Perry’s office, future facilities would have to use closed-loop cooling, an equally water-efficient technology or an alternative water source such as brackish or produced water. Developers would disclose projected water needs, and operators would report actual use each year.
Perry’s office says the bill would also authorize the Public Utility Commission of Texas to set standards to address noise and light, including possible buffers. The proposal follows a September Senate hearing on the effects of data centers on water supplies and nearby neighborhoods.
From: Office of State Sen. Charles Perry
