Data center growth in Texas see pushback
State leaders and lawmakers in Texas, including State Representative Vicky Goodwin, are calling for a statewide moratorium on new data centers. Concerns center on the impact of data centers on the state's water and electricity resources. Governor Greg Abbott has also expressed support for limiting data center development.
Leaders in the artificial intelligence industry are seeking to expand data center presence in Texas, but the initiative is facing significant pushback from state lawmakers and leaders. Democratic State Representative Vicki Goodwin held a press conference advocating for a statewide moratorium on new data centers. She argued for a pause in approvals until opportunities arise for Texans to voice their concerns directly and until robust safeguards are implemented, suggesting a special legislative session is needed to address these regulations.
The calls for a moratorium stem from critical concerns regarding the impact of data center growth on the state's water and electricity resources. This sentiment is echoed by other prominent figures; Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has tasked the Texas Senate with studying how best to manage data center expansion, and Governor Greg Abbott recently called for limiting data center development across the state.