Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller called on Gov. Greg Abbott to donate campaign contributions received from data center developers, operators and affiliated interests to the AgriStress Helpline, a program that provides crisis support and mental health resources to farmers, ranchers and others in the agricultural community.
Miller made the request Aug. 26 as he continued to raise concerns about the rapid expansion of large data center projects across Texas and their potential impact on water supplies, the electric grid, agricultural land and rural communities.
Miller argued that farmers and ranchers were increasingly being asked to compete with large data center facilities for access to water and reliable electricity.
In his statement, Miller said Abbott had welcomed data center development in Texas while also accepting campaign money from interests connected to the industry. Miller called on the governor to donate every dollar of those contributions to the AgriStress Helpline.
“Our producers deal with drought, high input costs, volatile markets, natural disasters, and pressures most folks will never understand,” Miller said.
He said rural Texans were watching large industrial developments arrive in their communities with significant demands for water and electricity, adding that the issue had become a concern for residents beyond the agricultural industry.
Miller pointed to the AgriStress Helpline as a way the money could be used to directly support agricultural producers facing difficult circumstances.
The helpline provides free and confidential support to agricultural workers and their families dealing with stress and mental health challenges.
Miller also renewed his call for Abbott to convene a special legislative session to address the growth of data centers in the state.
According to Miller, lawmakers should consider protections for Texas water supplies, farmland, rural communities and the state’s electric grid as data center development continues.
“Until then, Governor, write the check and redirect that data center money to help communities in need,” Miller said.
Miller has repeatedly criticized the expansion of massive data centers in Texas, arguing that their demands for water and power could create additional challenges for agricultural producers and rural communities.
The commissioner concluded his statement by emphasizing the importance of protecting the state’s agricultural industry as Texas continues to attract large technology investments.
