Public Citizen Texas

05/29/2026

To local elected officials across the state of Texas: Whose side are you on?

Citizens confused about request because they have not needed permits for signs in the past

05/28/2026

“This bullying tactic is the result of state leaders leaving local communities like Hill County to fend for themselves against data centers."

AUSTIN, Texas — On Thursday, a developer sued Hill County, the first county in Texas to approve a pause on…

05/26/2026

This Thursday in San Antonio, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is holding a public hearing for Vantage's planned data center on the city's West side. It is one of two Vantage facilities planned for San Antonio.

Data centers can impact the air you breathe, how much you pay for electricity and can place increased pressure on scarce water supplies. This is your opportunity to speak up! Make plans to attend! Full hearing details: https://bit.ly/42SJ1Wp

05/25/2026

Is this any way to run a local government when you're making what could be a $1 billion decision?

05/22/2026

If you're wondering how the Austin City Council voted to approve a potential $1 billion expenditure for Austin Energy, so is everyone else.

AUSTIN, Texas — On Thursday, the Austin City Council voted behind closed doors to approve an Austin Energy proposal to…

05/21/2026

Today at the Austin City Council, Austin Energy is asking for a blank check to build gas-burning power plants. Austin Energy's leadership is pushing forward, despite acknowledgment that the utility has climate commitments to meet.

05/20/2026

"It’s very unusual to have a contract go to council without a cost estimate. I’ve literally never seen that,” Public Citizen's Kaiba White said. “Austin Energy has manipulated a situation where they’re not sharing any real information.”

Austin city leaders are weighing a controversial proposal to expand natural gas peaker plants as community advocates warn the plan could deepen environmental inequities in East Austin

05/20/2026

Come out to City Hall tomorrow at 10am to tell the mayor and city council that we do not want new gas peakers!

They are up for a vote after less than a month of public notice, threatening our city with years of emissions that would poison our air and harm our loved ones.

Tomorrow is your last chance to tell the city council that we want an independent analysis so that we can trust what AE says. See you there!

📅: Thursday, May 21
⏱️: 10am
📍: Austin City Council (301 W 2nd St)

05/20/2026

Austin Energy wants to build so-called "peaker" gas-burning power plants at a cost it has not disclosed, but could top $1 billion. The vote on Austin Energy's request will take place behind closed doors.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson announced Tuesday that he intends for the Austin City Council to decide the fate…

05/19/2026

This Thursday, the Austin City Council will consider the city's electric utility's request to purchase approximately $1 billion in peaker gas-burning power plants. If council members agree, it'll be a betrayal of many of the city's climate and environmental commitments. Public Citizen's climate policy and outreach specialist, Kaiba White, explains what is at stake: https://bit.ly/4dy5Nrc