Texas AG Delays Opinion on Counties' Ability to Halt Data Center Construction
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has delayed issuing a legal opinion requested by Hood and Somervell counties on their ability to halt data center construction. Six months after the request, his office cited needing more time, a decision critics suggest is politically motivated ahead of his U.S. Senate bid. The debate involves local zoning authority, energy costs, and proposed regulations, highlighting a split between rural voters and some political figures.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has delayed providing a legal opinion to Hood and Somervell counties regarding their authority to halt local data center construction. Despite a state law requiring a response within 180 days, Paxton's office informed Hood County Attorney Matt Mills that it needs more time to review the law and finalize its opinion, a delay Mills predicted would extend past the November election.
The attorney general's inaction comes amid growing debate over data centers in Texas, particularly as Paxton campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat. He recently unveiled a campaign proposal endorsing new rules on data center locations and prohibiting Chinese technology within them. His plan also aligns with Governor Greg Abbott's call for a ban on data centers in rural Texas and a repeal of their tax breaks.
Paxton's Democratic opponent, State Rep. James Talarico, has criticized Paxton's perceived silence and alleged campaign donations from the data center industry. Talarico proposes giving local communities the power to decide on data center development, repealing tax breaks, and requiring water reuse. The core issue remains counties' lack of zoning authority under current state law, which advocates are pushing to change.