4 issues driving political debate in Texas for the midterm election
Data centers are one of four issues shaping Texas candidates’ midterm campaigns. Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt data center permitting and proposed requiring facilities to fund their own electric infrastructure and use water-efficient technologies, while Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa has called for a pause on development.
The Shorthorn examines data centers as one of four major issues in Texas midterm campaigns, alongside immigration, taxes and education. The state has the nation’s second-highest number of operating data centers, according to the Pew Research Center, making their environmental, economic and infrastructure effects increasingly prominent in political debate.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in June to halt permits sought by data centers and said he would work with the Texas Legislature to end financial incentives for the industry. In a later letter, Abbott backed requiring data centers to pay for their own electric infrastructure and use water-efficient technologies. Democratic gubernatorial challenger Gina Hinojosa has called for an immediate pause on data center development until lawmakers establish community protections.