Compass Datacenters supports tougher Texas data center standards
Compass Datacenters said it supports stronger Texas rules for data center development and said it already operates in line with the standards it attributes to Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive.
Compass Datacenters said Aug. 10 that it supports tougher Texas standards for data center development and believes it already operates under the kind of requirements it says Gov. Greg Abbott has outlined.
The Dallas-based company said the standards should cover how developers pay for grid infrastructure, use water, protect neighbors, back projects financially and disclose ownership and community commitments. Compass said it wants the same bar for all developers in Texas.
Texas has become a major market for data center growth, drawing attention to electricity use, water demand and local impacts.
In the release, Compass described itself as a Class A, Community-First data center developer headquartered in Dallas. It said it wants to work with the Texas Legislature, ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the governor’s office on statewide standards.
Compass said it funds its own grid infrastructure so those costs are not passed to residents. It also said it voluntarily works with grid operators to reduce load during storms, heavy weather and unplanned outages.
On water use, the company said it uses a closed-loop cooling system that recycles the same water indefinitely and said it is committed to using available recycled wastewater for commissioning. Compass said each operational data center uses roughly the same annual water amount as two average households.
The company also said it manages noise within or below local ordinances, uses setbacks and lighting controls, and applies construction practices intended to reduce truck traffic. It said it will not ask for local tax abatements and is not dependent on them.
Compass quoted founder and CEO Chris Crosby in the release, citing a recent Fortune op-ed. Crosby said: “good - raise them” and “Just measure every developer by the same yardstick.”
Compass said utilities should complete due diligence and studies of proposed developments in a transparent, thorough and timely manner. It said it welcomes work with utility and transmission partners, ERCOT and the PUCT.
The company said only responsible developers should move forward and that trust is earned through transparency, regular communication and measurable commitments.
No timeline beyond the Aug. 10 release was given for any state action or rulemaking. Compass said it is committed to being a responsible neighbor and constructive partner as Texas defines future data center development.
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