Event Details

  • Event Type: Panel / Roundtable
  • Date: June 10, 2026
  • Location: Houston Republican Convention — Houston, TX
  • Host / Organizer: Humans First Data Center Roundtable
  • Speaker(s): Michael Rice — Principal Systems Engineer & Infrastructure Automation Expert

Summary

The rapid expansion of data centers across Texas is raising important questions about infrastructure, energy, water resources, local governance, and the future of rural communities.

On June 10, 2026, Michael Rice participated in the Humans First Data Center Roundtable at the Houston Republican Convention, alongside state lawmakers, local elected officials, and community leaders, to discuss the opportunities and challenges surrounding large-scale data center development. Drawing on years of work in data center infrastructure and automation, Michael brought a technical perspective to the conversation.

Whether you support data center development, have concerns about its impact on your community, or simply want to better understand what these facilities are and how they affect Texas, this discussion offers insights from multiple viewpoints.

Watch

Panelists

  • Rep. Cody Vasut
  • Rep. Wes Virdell
  • Scott Salter — Alvin City Council Member At-Large
  • Greg Harrell — Hood County GOP Chair & State Republican Executive Committeeman
  • Michael Rice — Principal Systems Engineer & Infrastructure Automation Expert

What We Covered

  • The explosive growth of data centers in Texas
  • Power and energy demands
  • Water usage and infrastructure impacts
  • Transparency in the development process
  • Local control and community involvement
  • Economic development and tax incentives
  • What policymakers can do to ensure Texans have a voice in these decisions

Links & Resources