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One lawmaker called developers\u2019 lack of response about the public\u2019s concerns \u201cpretty pathetic.\u201d It\u2019s worse than that.<\/p>\n
AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
County needs<\/p>\n
The July 12 story \u201cData center, now on hold, sought up to 2 billion gallons from Tarrant-owned lake<\/a>\u201d (12A) referring to a lake owned by the Tarrant Regional Water District isn\u2019t an isolated case. It\u2019s happening across Texas because most counties lack groundwater conservation districts and have no authority to regulate water use.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n On June 23, the Texas House Natural Resources Committee heard testimony that only 17% of data centers surveyed in 2025 responded to the state\u2019s required water-use survey<\/a> \u2014 down from a third the year before. One lawmaker called the response rate \u201cpretty pathetic.\u201d Many Texans are asking why leaders are waiting until 2027 to act.<\/p>\n Are elected leaders letting artificial intelligence lobbyists exploit Texans and our water? Counties need real authority before these projects break ground.<\/p>\n – Bob Hassell, Keller<\/p>\n Consider water<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Water is an important factor in the data-center issue. But it needs to be considered as part of any new development.<\/p>\n – Kim Ann Kamin, Richland Hills<\/p>\n Mob rule?<\/p>\n 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<\/a> through her social media posts.<\/p>\n If that is true, why isn\u2019t she in the job? (July 17, 5A, \u201cReassigned Western Hills leader rejects \u2018made-up job\u2019 offer from Fort Worth ISD\u201d)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Public institutions should protect employees who follow the rules, not reward extremists who bear false witness for notoriety\u2019s sake. Fairness, due process and the First Amendment should not depend on who shouts the loudest.<\/p>\n Licata has demonstrated neither leadership nor principle.<\/p>\n – Barry Shlachter, Fort Worth<\/p>\n Israel lesson<\/p>\n