Political opposition to data centers mounts in US and abroad
Political opposition to data center development is increasing in Texas and around the world. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is reconsidering earlier pro-data center policies, while his Democratic opponent has proposed a stringent moratorium that could affect a significant share of planned U.S. capacity additions.
Opposition to data center expansion is emerging as a major issue in Texas, one of the largest U.S. data center markets. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has begun revising his previously supportive policies, while his Democratic challenger has pledged a stringent moratorium that could affect about 29% of the net U.S. capacity additions planned for 2028.
The article places the Texas debate in a broader global context, noting that more than 300 state and local moratoriums are threatening the U.S. buildout. Data center projects in Australia and Indonesia are also facing setbacks from regulatory delays and opposition from environmentally concerned residents.