Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods
Gov. Greg Abbott is calling for a ban on data center construction in rural Texas neighborhoods due to concerns about electricity, water usage, and noise. Seven counties are supporting legislative action, and a poll shows strong rural Texan support for such restrictions. Abbott emphasizes that new data centers should be self-sufficient in power and water.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas is advocating for a statewide ban on data center construction within rural neighborhoods, citing concerns over the facilities' substantial electricity and water demands, as well as potential noise pollution. This call comes despite Abbott's previous promotion of Texas as a hub for AI development. A University of Texas at Austin poll indicates strong support for such measures among rural Texans, with 62% favoring the ban.
In response to growing opposition, seven Texas counties
as—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. Governor Abbott has emphasized that any new data centers must "bring their own power, reuse their own water, and do it in a way that reduces electricity costs for residents across our state." The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reports that over 480 large data centers have sought grid connections through 2032, highlighting the scale of potential energy demands.