Voters and State Officials Back Data Center Restrictions in Texas, Georgia and Other States
Voters and state officials across the country are backing restrictions, temporary moratoriums and proposed bans on new data center construction. Texas and Georgia are highlighted, while OpenAI announced plans to improve transparency and community engagement around future data center projects.
A CBS report aired by THV11 examines a backlash against data centers following elections in which voters approved measures limiting or banning development. The report says opposition is particularly strong in rural communities, where residents cite a lack of safeguards and protections.
Texas is identified as a major data center market, with the state accounting for an estimated 25% to 30% of capacity expected to come online by 2030. The Texas governor has promised to halt new construction until safeguards are established, while Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms said she would issue an executive order pausing new data center construction and review the incentives attached to existing projects.
OpenAI responded to the backlash by saying it will stop using controversial nondisclosure agreements, provide construction plans to residents and emphasize the long-term jobs associated with its data centers. Meta, Google and Microsoft are mentioned as companies that have announced major Texas projects, but the report does not focus on a specific project by those companies.