Texas data center boom faces pushback as Gina Hinojosa vows to pause construction
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa has pledged to pause new data center construction until safeguards for communities are established. The proposal comes amid growing national opposition to data centers and similar plans by Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, while OpenAI announced steps to improve transparency and community engagement.
Voters in communities across the country have approved measures restricting data center development, including outright bans and temporary moratoriums. The backlash is particularly significant in Texas, which has 169 operational data centers, 118 under construction and hundreds more planned, with roughly 25% to 30% of data center capacity expected to come online by 2030.
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa said she would halt construction of new data centers until safeguards are established for residents. Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms likewise said she plans to issue an executive order pausing new construction and review the incentives tied to projects in the state. In response to criticism, OpenAI said it will end the use of controversial nondisclosure agreements, provide residents with construction plans and emphasize the long-term jobs associated with its facilities.