Texas Democrats call for data center moratorium, urge Gov. Abbott to convene special session

Texas Democrats are intensifying calls for a statewide moratorium on new data center approvals, urging Governor Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to address the issue. The demand comes amidst a "snowballing" opposition from residents concerned about noise, light pollution, and the extensive water and electricity usage by these facilities, including AI data centers.

Vicki Goodwin, a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, held a news conference in Austin, near a data center industry convention, alongside other Democratic officials and candidates. They emphasized the need for state action to protect residents and farmers, noting that Texas's 254 counties and groundwater conservation districts currently lack zoning authority, preventing them from regulating data center developers in unincorporated areas. Cities, however, possess land use authority.

Goodwin stressed the urgency, stating that the state cannot afford to wait and called for a pause on new data center approvals until Texans can be heard and safeguards are implemented. She highlighted the issue as a statewide and potentially national concern, transcending political and geographic divides, framing it as "organized people versus organized money."

Democratic candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Clayton Tucker also supported the call for a special session. However, the likelihood of Governor Abbott convening one is low, as Republican State Representative Shelley Luther indicated that lawmakers, the Governor, and other candidates are currently focused on campaigning for the upcoming November elections. Republicans are also reportedly engaged on the issue of data centers in rural areas.