UT Poll Finds Close Senate Race, Majority Oppose Data Centers
A new poll in Texas indicates that a majority of Texans oppose the construction of data centers in their communities. In response, Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to implement policies requiring data centers to cover their own infrastructure costs and to minimize impacts on local resources. These directives also include proposals for water-efficient cooling technologies and regular reporting on electricity and water usage.
A recent University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll reveals that 56% of Texans oppose the construction of data centers in their communities, with 42% expressing strong opposition. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in rural and suburban areas. The survey, conducted between June 5-12 among 1,200 registered voters, also highlighted a highly competitive U.S. Senate race between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat State Rep. James Talarico.
In light of these findings and growing concerns over data center expansion, Governor Greg Abbott has issued directives to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT. Governor Abbott instructed the regulators to pursue policies that ensure data centers bear their own infrastructure costs, thereby reducing the burden on Texans' electric bills and minimizing impacts on local communities. Additionally, he proposed requiring data centers to adopt water-efficient cooling technologies, submit annual reports on their electricity and water usage, and called for the elimination of certain tax incentives for such projects. Abbott emphasized the state's continued openness to innovation but stressed that growth should not unduly burden residents and local areas.