Event Details

  • Event Type: Public Forum / Panel
  • Date: June 11, 2026
  • Location: Bay City, TX
  • Host / Organizer: Matagorda Against Data Centers
  • Speaker(s): Michael Rice — Principal Systems Engineer & Infrastructure Automation Expert

Summary

As data center development accelerates across Texas, many communities are asking important questions about water use, power demand, infrastructure, agriculture, and local oversight.

On June 11, 2026, Michael Rice joined fellow speakers at “The Cost of Data Centers,” a public forum hosted by Matagorda Against Data Centers in Bay City, Texas. The event brought together technical experts, elected officials, and community advocates to discuss how large-scale data center development may impact Texas communities and natural resources. Drawing on years of work with data center infrastructure, automation, and large-scale computing environments, Michael provided a technical perspective on how these facilities operate and the challenges communities should understand before major projects are approved.

Whether you support data center development, are a concerned citizen, an elected official, or simply want to learn more about one of the fastest-growing industries in Texas, this discussion offers insights from multiple viewpoints.

Watch

  • Sid Miller — Texas Agriculture Commissioner
  • Clayton Tucker — Candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner
  • Michael Rice — Principal Systems Engineer & Infrastructure Automation Expert
  • Kenneth Schustgereit — Texas Water Advocate

What We Covered

  • Data center power consumption
  • Water usage and cooling systems
  • Impacts on agriculture and rural communities
  • Electrical grid infrastructure
  • Economic development and tax incentives
  • Transparency and public involvement
  • Environmental and resource considerations
  • What local communities can do to stay informed and engaged

Links & Resources