What happened behind the scenes before the SpaceX announcement? New records raise fresh questions.

Source: KBTX requested public records about SpaceX. Now, Grimes County is asking to keep some hidden. | KBTX

Questions that have lingered over East Texas’ proposed AI data centers — how much water they could use, where that water could come from and who would be responsible if

Source: Ctrl+Z on AI? As data centers expand, Texas lawmakers search for answers on water, oversight | Local & State | lufkindailynews.com

Cedar Creek Lake supplies North Texas with up to 170 million gallons of water a day. Diode Ventures could pull up to 5 million gallons a day.

Source: Proposed data center would pull from lake that supplies most of Fort Worth’s water | Fort Worth Report

Less than a month after San Marcos became the first city in Texas to ban data centers citywide, one state lawmaker says he plans to challenge the ordinance, arguing the city does not have the legal authority to enact it.

Source: State senator plans to challenge San Marcos’ data center ban, says city lacks legal authority | KXAN

Cities and other water users have already paid $4.1 million to reserve water from a seawater desalination plant that is not close to construction.

Source: River authority’s budget woes a blow to Corpus Christi | The Texas Tribune

“Yay for aquifers” was the main theme of a public presentation hosted by the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District on June 30 at the Brazos Center. Attended by concerned residents and local officials, including state Rep. Paul Dyson, the district outlined how local aquifers are monitored, how pumping is regulated and how long-term water availability is planned across the region.

Source: Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District addresses resident concerns over growth, demand | Bryan – College Station | Community Impact

Groundwater is the primary water source for many rural homes, farms and small towns across East Texas. As new development continues in the region, the Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District is holding a series of public meetings to explain proposed amendments to its rules and gather public feedback.

Source: East Texas groundwater officials outline proposed changes to safeguard supplies | KETK

Nearly half of the power plants planned to supply electricity for data centers would be in Texas. Experts warn they will emit significant pollution that could harm the health of communities nearby.

Source: Report shows Texas to lead nation in data center power plants | The Texas Tribune

In Texas, state regulators are attempting for a second time to gather information on how much electricity and water data centers are using.

Source: After silence from data centers, Texas asks again for water use numbers | SAN

The source of the Colorado River in the Rocky Mountains is drying up, threatening a critical water lifeline for about 35 million people and 5 million acres of farmland across the Southwest.

Source: ‘This is terrifying’: The Colorado River, a lifeline for seven states, is drying up at its source | LA Times