As opposition to data center development gains traction in parts of Texas, developers and policymakers are increasingly focused on how projects engage with local communities and address concerns about electricity demand, water use and infrastructure impacts. Industry observers note that community support is becoming just as important to project success as securing land, power and financing.
Bracewell’s Frank Maisano told the Washington Examiner that data center developers have not done enough to address concerns raised by local communities.
“You’ve got to start building bridges before you can build projects,” Maisano said. “You have to be a partner of that community. Whether you’re building a wind turbine project, whether you’re building a pipeline, or whether you’re building a data center. I just don’t think that the hyperscalers have done well enough.”
