“We All Still Need Water”: Phyllis Gant Takes Lubbock’s Data Center Concerns to Austin

“We All Still Need Water”: Phyllis Gant Takes Lubbock’s Data Center Concerns to Austin

Lubbock community activist Phyllis Gant brought local concerns about data center development to Austin, joining a statewide effort calling for greater transparency and protection of Texas’ water resources.

Gant, identified in broadcast coverage as representing the Lubbock NAACP, spoke at the September 28 launch of We the People Texas at the state Capitol. The coalition brought together civil rights leaders, rural advocates and community groups seeking an immediate pause and review of water commitments tied to future data center projects.

In a social media post, Stephen Sanders thanked Gant for representing Save Lubbock and Citizens of Lubbock Against Data Centers in a meeting with Gov. Greg Abbott’s office alongside the NAACP. Sanders said the discussion addressed potential effects on the community, environment, land and resources.

According to Sanders’ post, Gant delivered a message about the shared need for water: “It does not matter if you are red or blue we all still need water.”

Sanders described Save Lubbock as nonpartisan and praised residents with different political views for coming together around the issue.

At the Capitol event, Gant also highlighted the power of local organizing and residents’ efforts to petition for a pause on large data center development.

“Organized people beats organized money,” Gant said, according to CBS Austin’s coverage.

The statewide coalition includes the Texas NAACP, Save Rural Texas, the Texas Coalition Against Data Centers and Don’t Drain Texas. Members released public records they said raised questions about water negotiations and urged residents to examine agreements being made in their communities.

“We want you to demand greater transparency,” Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe said. The coalition’s request focuses on water commitments, extending beyond the state’s existing pause on permitting.

On September 21, Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt permits sought by data centers until ERCOT completes its audit.

The NAACP has called for broader safeguards. In a September 29 statement, the organization argued that the current approach leaves gaps involving facilities generating their own power and called for a comprehensive moratorium, public disclosure of environmental and utility impacts, and independent monitoring.

In Lubbock, the City Council voted 5–2 on September 22 to begin the process for a potential 90 day moratorium on large data center development. The petition seeking an 18 month moratorium failed without a second. The shorter proposal still required public hearings before taking effect.

Councilwoman Dr. Jennifer Wilson supported giving the city time to establish standards.

“I do want Lubbock to be open to business, but not at any cost,” Wilson said.

Councilman Tim Green, who opposed initiating the moratorium process, emphasized potential tax revenue and argued that resource protections could be established without a complete pause.

Gant encouraged Texans to research proposals and stay involved in local decisions.

“Do it with civility and passion, but get involved,” she said.

Photo credit: KXAN News, screenshot from broadcast coverage.