David B Spence in the Media

The Daily Texan August 24, 2026

Hundreds of data centers to be audited, possibly added to state power grid

Professor David Spence and Adjunct Professor Randy Erben comment on Governor Greg Abbott's recent directive to the Public Utility Commission of Texas requiring a complete audit of all data centers.

More of: Randall H Erben

Inside Climate News July 22, 2026

Environmental Groups Contest Texas Data Centers’ Air Pollution

Professor David Spence explains that data centers powered by gas turbines would most likely qualify as major pollution sources and questions whether companies can separate connected facilities to avoid stricter Clean Air Act permits.

Straight Arrow News June 30, 2026

What will it take to solve the great American energy puzzle?

Professor Emeritus David Spence discusses the challenges of expanding U.S. energy infrastructure, explaining that political polarization, permitting uncertainty, and competing priorities have made it increasingly difficult to build the transmission and power systems needed to meet growing electricity demand.

El Paso Matters May 19, 2026

More data centers could be coming to El Paso. What will that mean for your electric bills?

Professor Emeritus David Spence explains that when data centers increase electricity demand on underused portions of the grid, the fixed costs of maintaining that infrastructure get spread across more users, which ultimately lowers the cost per kilowatt hour for everyone.

Legal Planet April 22, 2026

Can Sustainability Be Abundant, Safe, and Affordable?

Professor David Spence discussed the prevalence of misinformation about clean energy due to corporate lobbying and shifting political attitudes while participating on panel the "Affordability and the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels" at a UCLA symposium.

MarketWatch March 12, 2026

How Texas became the epicenter of the AI data-center boom

Professor David Spence notes that fewer regulatory barriers make it easier to build a power plant in Texas than in other states, which attracts developers and makes it quicker to get a project completed.

E&E News by Politico January 5, 2026

Coal over wind: How Trump used emergency powers to help a favored fuel

In an article about the use of emergency powers to alter the country’s electricity markets, Professor David Spence comments on President Trump's strategy of pushing the bounds of executive power then hoping that the courts validate it or ratify it after the fact.

Inside Climate News May 22, 2025

House Republicans Have Passed a Bill to Gut the IRA. What Happened to All the Supposed Holdouts?

Professor David Spence explains how strong partisan and leadership pressure led many House Republicans who once supported the Inflation Reduction Act to unanimously vote in favor of the sweeping budget reconciliation bill, which phases out tax credits.

Grist April 29, 2025

Trump is bypassing community input to fast-track energy projects that risk pollution

Professor David Spence predicts how President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency to fast-track energy projects across the country will play out in reality, with higher production levels for fossil fuels and lower security of critical minerals already observable.

Energy Central March 11, 2025

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