government
Texas Ag Commissioner Miller urges Governor Abbott to call special session on data center expansion
By CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
AUSTIN, Texas (KCBD) - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Tuesday urged Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address the rapid growth of large-scale data centers, saying the state could miss its chance to curb projects that he argues threaten rural communities, ...
Key takeaway “If the Governor truly wants stronger safeguards, there’s only one way to remove any doubt: call a Special Session now,” Miller said.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The push for a special legislative session on data center expansion has significant implications for the Odessa community, where the Permian Basin's thriving energy industry has already put a strain on local resources. As data centers continue to sprout up across the state, concerns about water and electricity usage are particularly relevant in a region where these resources are already in high demand. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller's warning that rural communities and farmland are under threat resonates in Ector County, where agriculture and energy production coexist. The potential approval of new data-center projects, known as "Batch Zero," could exacerbate existing pressures on the local infrastructure, making it crucial for state leaders to address these issues promptly. As the debate unfolds, Odessa residents should pay close attention to how their representatives in Austin respond to Commissioner Miller's call for action, and what measures they propose to balance economic growth with environmental and community concerns.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? AUSTIN, Texas (KCBD) - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Tuesday urged Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address the rapid growth of large-scale data centers, saying the state could miss its chance to curb projects that he argues threaten rural communities, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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