Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, other Texas Democrats push for moratorium, special session on data centers
Democratic candidates in Texas are advocating for a statewide moratorium on new data center approvals and a special legislative session. They cite growing public opposition due to concerns over noise, light pollution, water, and electricity usage, as well as the lack of zoning authority for counties. The candidates also support eliminating a state sales tax incentive for data center developers.
Democratic candidates in Texas, including Lieutenant Governor nominee Vikki Goodwin, Texas Comptroller nominee Sarah Eckhardt, and Agriculture Commissioner nominee Clayton Tucker, are advocating for a moratorium on new data center approvals and a special session of the Texas Legislature. They cite growing public opposition due to concerns over noise, light pollution, and high water and electricity usage by these facilities.
Goodwin emphasized the urgent need for state action, highlighting the current lack of zoning authority for Texas's 254 counties and groundwater conservation districts, which prevents regulation of data centers in unincorporated areas. She called for a pause on new approvals to allow direct input from Texans and the implementation of safeguards.
While a special session is unlikely due to the upcoming November elections, state Representative Shelley Luther, a Republican, acknowledged that data centers have become a top issue for the next legislative session starting in January. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed interest in eliminating a state sales tax incentive for data center developers, which has cost taxpayers $2.8 billion since 2014 and is projected to cost an additional $3.2 billion in the next two years.