This will be a big week for groups and families against data centers in the state. As quick and fast development happens, many are worried about how the facilities impact their neighborhoods. Those who oppose the centers are getting more organized during what’s being called a week of action. I ndividuals and organizations will be taking daily steps to make their voices heard. Their schedule is listed on the Action Network. Sunday, July 26 WEBINAR: 6-7 p.m. Policy Briefing: Tax and Budget Impacts of Data Centers Skills Training: How to Testify and Lobby at the Legislature Monday, July 27 ACTION: 9 a.m.: Press Pause on Data Centers Rally at the Capitol RSVP 10:30 a.m.: Testify at the Senate Finance Committee hearing and/or email committee members asking them to eliminate all state and local tax incentives for data centers. Email the Finance Committee members to ask for an end to tax breaks for data centers. Tuesday, July 28 ACTION: Urge Governor Abbott to call a special session to consider a moratorium on data centers. Also call on the Lieutenant Governor, your Texas State Representative, and your Texas State Senators to ask them to support a special session on data centers. Email Governor Abbott and your other state elected officials now. WEBINAR: 6-7 p.m. Policy Briefing: Water, Land and Noise Impacts from Data Centers Skills Training: Using Social Media for Your Data Center Campaign Wednesday, July 29 ACTION: 9 a.m.: Testify at the Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing at the Texas Capitol and/or email committee members about the impact of data centers on electric demand and electric transmission. Email the Senate Business and Commerce Committee members to demand reliable and affordable electricity for residential and small commercial customers. WEBINAR: 6-7 p.m. Policy Briefing: Electric Grid Impacts and Air Pollution from Data Centers Skills Training: How to write a Letter to the Editor Thursday, July 30 ACTION: Post a video on social media to encourage your county and/or city leaders to ask that they pass a resolution requesting a state action on data centers. WEBINAR: 6-7 p.m. Skills Training: How to Find, Track and Challenge a TCEQ Permit. “We are working to uplift the voices,” Kaiba White with Public Citizen’s Texas Office, a group leading the push this week said. “Usually just everyday people who don’t want to see their way of life ruined essentially, so we’re trying to help them with the skills and the information that can help make a successful campaign to push back on those data center projects.” Data centers reportedly use up 3-5 million gallons of water per day. Two years ago, there were about 40 projects for the facilities planned in Texas, now there are nearly 400, at least planned across the state, according to officials. Behind every new data center that pops up, are personal stories of people impacted by them. “Data centers and man camps that serve thousands of people are coming in, and they are fighting residents over this last 6% of drinking water,” Julie Waters with Texans Against Data Centers said. Waters lives in Coppel, but worries about her hometown in Crowell. “Where are my 80-year-old parents going to get drinking water once that [Greenbelt] lake is completely dry?,” Waters said. Her concerns led her to join the greater movement, pushing back against the facilities. “They’ve just gone rampant,” Waters said. The escalated concern is expected to be a big topic in the next legislative session. “Texans are really watching the legislature to see who represents them,” Waters said. The coalition is also asking Abbott to call a special session to ban or temporarily stop data center projects, to give lawmakers a chance to put regulations in place to address concerns. ...read more read less