In this week’s episode, the TribCast crew is joined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and economy reporter Paul Cobler. They discuss the anger in rural Texas over data centers and power lines, and ask Miller why he thinks it means Democrats could win a statewide race in November.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Here’s how to find information about data centers in Texas
What information is accessible about a data center project can differ from place to place and depend on whether a project seeks out tax breaks, whether it needs local rezoning or special permits, and how it will get its power and water.
While data centers boom in Texas, their plans stay shrouded in secrecy
Data center developers can use nondisclosure agreements and shell companies to shield the details of their deals from the public. Even state officials also say they need more transparency from the industry.
Data center approvals in Texas halted until audits completed, Gov. Greg Abbott says
On Monday, the governor ordered the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to audit all data centers wanting to connect to the state’s power grid.
Texas lawmakers want to halt plan to build high-voltage transmission lines across the state
Amid a backlash, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a chorus of state senators said the the state’s plan for building new high-voltage transmission lines needs to be changed as the oil and gas industry faces an electricity shortage.
Paxton lawsuit prompts end of federal endangered species protection for Texas lizard
The state’s attorney general sued the Biden administration in 2024, citing incomplete data for the updated endangered status of the Permian Basin’s native dunes sagebrush lizard.
ERCOT: Texas’ power grid meeting record demand now, but could falter when it doubles by 2032
Solar and battery power generations have helped bolster ERCOT’s grid, but data center, population and economic growth is slated to surge demand.
Energy agencies want more authority over Texas data centers
The request comes after Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Electric Reliability Council of Texas to further regulate data centers’ use of the power grid.
Texas imports of Venezuelan oil soar as war chokes off Middle East supply
Gulf Coast refineries are welcoming the surge from Venezuela during the prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure that’s virtually halted imports from Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Texarkana region embraces lithium mining potential
Texarkana’s first lithium symposium marked a milestone for Texas lithium development, laying the groundwork for discussions on critical issues.


