One lawmaker called developers’ lack of response about the public’s concerns “pretty pathetic.” It’s worse than that.
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County needs
The July 12 story “Data center, now on hold, sought up to 2 billion gallons from Tarrant-owned lake” (12A) referring to a lake owned by the Tarrant Regional Water District isn’t an isolated case. It’s happening across Texas because most counties lack groundwater conservation districts and have no authority to regulate water use.
New demand can deplete lakes and aquifers already strained by heat and drought. Counties should have the power to demand closed-loop cooling and to set noise setbacks.
On June 23, the Texas House Natural Resources Committee heard testimony that only 17% of data centers surveyed in 2025 responded to the state’s required water-use survey — down from a third the year before. One lawmaker called the response rate “pretty pathetic.” Many Texans are asking why leaders are waiting until 2027 to act.
Are elected leaders letting artificial intelligence lobbyists exploit Texans and our water? Counties need real authority before these projects break ground.
– Bob Hassell, Keller
Consider water
Thank you for the excellent reporting on the proposed data center in Henderson County. The story reinforced the need for water conservation with the growing population. Tarrant County is not experiencing drought, but the demand for our water supply is increasing. Conservation helps meet some of the growing demand.
Water is an important factor in the data-center issue. But it needs to be considered as part of any new development.
– Kim Ann Kamin, Richland Hills
Mob rule?
The Fort Worth school district has told a federal judge that its investigation found Shayma Alzubi, an educator appointed principal at Western Hills High School, did not violate district policy or state law through her social media posts.
If that is true, why isn’t she in the job? (July 17, 5A, “Reassigned Western Hills leader rejects ‘made-up job’ offer from Fort Worth ISD”)
State-appointed Superintendent Peter Licata argues that returning her to campus could invite disruption because of public hostility. That sends a troubling message: If an outrage campaign by bigots becomes loud enough, it can effectively veto a personnel decision, even after the employee is cleared of wrongdoing.
Public institutions should protect employees who follow the rules, not reward extremists who bear false witness for notoriety’s sake. Fairness, due process and the First Amendment should not depend on who shouts the loudest.
Licata has demonstrated neither leadership nor principle.
– Barry Shlachter, Fort Worth
Israel lesson
A congressional proposal to eliminate $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel failed, but the bipartisan support it received should serve as a wake-up call to Washington. If foreign leaders publicly discuss reducing their dependence on American financial assistance, Congress should take them at their word and begin that transition.
Israel has universal healthcare, broad access to contraception and legal abortion. Yet Congress continues to approve billions in military aid while many Americans struggle to afford healthcare and other necessities.
With our national debt soaring and inflation hammering Texans, our taxpayer dollars should rebuild infrastructure and strengthen veterans’ care.
– Babita Daware, Trophy Club