Texas landowners rally at Capitol, urge Abbott to call special session on transmission lines

Residents and industry leaders at odds over transmission lines at legislative hearing

By Paul Cobler, Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Emily Foxhall, The Texas Tribune August 19, 2026 Flashes of yellow were all around the Texas Capitol grounds on Wednesday as legislators gathered to consider two of the most controversial issues in Texas politics: data centers and transmission lines. The color — displayed on bandanas, pins, shirts and…

Texans, legislators debate transmission lines at hearing

The growing backlash surrounding 765 kv lines, as well as data centers, was tackled at a nine-hour House hearing that included testimony and recommendations but no definitive answers.

Texas landowners rally at Capitol, urge Abbott to call special session on transmission lines

Dozens of Texas landowners gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday, calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to stop proposed 765-kilovolt transmission lines they say would impact private property across the state.

Texas House takes up data centers, controversial electric transmission line project ahead of January session

Members of the Texas House of Representatives are trying to clear the air over data centers and controversial plans for new power lines issues that have been impacting some of our Central Texas neighbors for months.The House is again taking questions about data centers and a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line project, after months of public hearings. The transmission line project would install a series of towers more than 100 feet tall, sta…

Tanya Tucker joins Texas Capitol debate over massive power grid expansion

Country star Tanya Tucker appeared at the Texas Capitol as lawmakers consider major 765-kV power line expansions in West/Central Texas, balancing industry/data center demand with landowner rights and cost concerns.

Ag groups weigh impacts of data center development

By Julie Tomascik Editor Data center development is expanding across the state, and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is urging lawmakers to consider how those projects affect water, electricity and agricultural land. Stephen Bauer, TFB District 10 state director and Kerr County rancher, submitted written testimony Aug. 19 to the House Committee on State Affairs as lawmakers studied data center development in Texas. Bauer was scheduled to testify before t…