Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is set to appear alongside Democratic Agriculture Commissioner nominee Clayton Tucker at a forum discussing the impact of data centers, a move that has drawn criticism from some Republicans.
According to a press release from Tucker’s campaign, the bipartisan forum will take place on June 11 in Bay City, Texas.
“Hosted by Matagorda County Against Data Centers, the forum, titled ‘The Cost of Data Centers,’ will take place on June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds in Bay City,” the release stated.
Data centers have become a major topic of debate across Texas as the state’s technology and artificial intelligence sectors continue to expand.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Texas could overtake Northern Virginia as the world’s largest data center market by 2030, according to JLL’s North America Data Center Report, as artificial intelligence infrastructure drives record levels of construction across the state.
At the same time, proposed data center developments have generated opposition from some local communities concerned about water usage, electrical grid demands, land use, and environmental impacts.
Miller’s participation in the event has sparked criticism from some Republicans, including Republican Agriculture Commissioner nominee Nate Sheets.
“While Sid Miller tours the state with my communist opponent Clayton Tucker, sullying his Republican legacy, Texas agriculture is facing a very real threat that demands immediate attention from actual leaders,” Sheets wrote on X.
“Clayton and Sid need not apply. Neither is serious. Neither is ready,” Sheets added.
Miller has previously voiced concerns about the rapid expansion of large-scale data center projects in Texas.
In a May 18 press release, Miller called for a pause on additional hyperscale data center developments until lawmakers and regulators have a better understanding of their long-term effects.
“It is time for a temporary moratorium on new hyperscale data center development in Texas until we fully assess the long-term impacts on our infrastructure, agricultural economy, and communities,” Miller said.
“We must not surrender our resources to global corporations without asking hard questions about the costs to Texas families, farmers, ranchers, and property owners,” Miller added.
Some Texans have defended Miller’s decision to participate in a bipartisan discussion on the issue.
“Whether you agree with the other side or not, it should be a bipartisan effort to stop AI data centers from taking advantage of the residents,” one X user wrote.
The upcoming forum comes as opposition to data center projects continues to emerge in several Texas communities, creating unusual political alliances among residents, environmental advocates, property owners, and elected officials from both parties.
The Dallas Express reached out to Miller for comment but did not receive a response.
