Will Texas hold a special session on data centers | Exclusive
Texas state lawmaker Stan Lambert believes Governor Greg Abbott is unlikely to call a special legislative session on data centers, partly due to political friction with Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who requested the session. Abbott's stance on data center development appears to be shifting due to growing rural opposition over concerns like water, electricity, and noise. New legislation is anticipated in January to address these issues, alongside a planned data center protest in Abilene.
Outgoing House District 71 state Rep. Stan Lambert stated that Texas Governor Greg Abbott is unlikely to convene a special legislative session on data centers, primarily due to an ongoing feud between Abbott and Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller. Miller had publicly called for a special session to address the "explosive construction buildout" of data centers before projects become permanent, fearing that waiting until January's regular session would make legislative action an afterthought. Lambert, however, expressed doubts about a special session, citing the high cost to taxpayers and its proximity to the next legislative period.
Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley supported local control over data center zoning and utility use, suggesting that Governor Abbott has a sound agenda regarding data centers. Lambert also highlighted a significant shift in Governor Abbott's public stance; eight months prior, Abbott actively encouraged major AI players like Google, SoftBank, and OpenAI to establish operations in Texas, promoting tax abatements. However, rural counties are now "fighting back" due to concerns over water, electricity, and noise.
This growing opposition, which Lambert described as a political reaction, is expected to lead to a "slew" of new legislation in January aimed at regulating the AI buildout. Companies are also anticipated to increase their investments in local educational systems to mitigate negative community sentiment, as evidenced by a "Powered by Google" sponsorship at the Texas Cowboy Reunion and a Data Center Pathway Registration program at Texas State Technical College in Abilene. A "peaceful, nonpartisan community-focused" data center protest is also planned by the group Save Abilene in mid-July.