State leaders call for a pause on data centers
State leaders in Texas are calling for a pause on new data center developments. The Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, Vicky Goodwin, advocates for a full stop until the state ensures protections for water and electricity. Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick have also expressed interest in limiting data center growth and reviewing tax incentives.
Vicky Goodwin, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in Texas, has called for an immediate halt to approving new data centers across the state. Goodwin emphasized the need for a special legislative session to establish regulations that safeguard communities' water and electricity resources before further data center development proceeds.
Governor Greg Abbott previously advocated for restrictions on data center expansion in rural Texas and the elimination of industry tax incentives. However, he has not supported the call for a special legislative session. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has also identified data center development as a priority for the upcoming legislative session, indicating broad state-level attention to the issue.