Democrats try to harness data center backlash that’s dividing rural Republicans
The growing backlash against energy- and water-intensive data centers is becoming a significant issue in statewide political campaigns across several US states, particularly in Texas. Concerns over environmental impact, strain on resources, and lack of regulation are fueling this discontent among both Republicans and Democrats. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now proposing regulations and tax break changes in response to public outcry, while his Democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, campaigns on stricter oversight.
The rapid proliferation of large-scale data centers has emerged as a contentious political issue across the United States, influencing statewide campaigns in states like Texas, Arizona, Ohio, New York, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. This backlash, driven by concerns over substantial energy and water consumption, environmental pollution, and perceived secrecy around projects, is creating rare bipartisan opposition.
In Texas, the issue is particularly acute, as the state is projected to become the largest global data center market by 2030. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has made data center regulation a key part of her platform, criticizing the current lack of oversight as the "wild west." Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who initially advocated for such projects, has recently shifted his stance, ordering regulators to address electricity bill concerns and pledging a legislative agenda to impose regulations and potentially remove state tax breaks for data centers. However, critics like Hinojosa and local opponents consider his proposals insufficient.
Across other states, similar sentiments are visible. In Ohio, Democratic nominee Sherrod Brown has attacked Republican U.S. Senator John Husted over the issue, as a statewide referendum to ban data center construction gathers signatures. Wisconsin Democratic candidate Francesca Hong vows to "stop AI data centers," while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro faces criticism for being too welcoming to tech companies. Local opposition groups, including those in Lubbock, Texas, are uniting across party lines to fight against new developments, emphasizing impacts on farmland, water resources, and rural landscapes.