Texas Governor Calls for Ban on Rural Data Center Construction
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling for a ban on data center construction in rural neighborhoods statewide due to growing opposition over their high electricity and water consumption, as well as noise. A poll shows significant support among rural Texans for this measure, and seven counties are pushing for legislative action to regulate data center development.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has publicly called for a ban on new data center construction in rural Texas neighborhoods, citing growing opposition due to the facilities' high demand for electricity and water, and noise concerns. This stance marks a shift for Abbott, who previously championed Texas as a hub for AI development. A University of Texas at Austin poll revealed 62% support for such a measure among rural Texans.
Seven Texas counties
—Hays, Caldwell, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Somervell, and Van Zandt
—have urged either a special legislative session or prioritized data center regulation for the upcoming regular session in January. During a campaign event, Abbott detailed his proposed restrictions, stating that new data centers should be required to provide their own power, reuse their own water, and contribute to reducing electricity costs for residents.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages most of the state's power grid, has received connection requests from over 480 "large" data centers projected through 2032, highlighting the significant growth pressure on the state's infrastructure.