Gina Hinojosa challenges Greg Abbott’s data center policies during Dallas press conference
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa criticized Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s data center policies at a Dallas press conference, joined by North Texas residents who oppose nearby projects. Hinojosa called for a moratorium until lawmakers establish requirements addressing community input, electricity costs, water use, tax incentives and AI regulation.
At a Dallas press conference, community representatives described opposition to a data center operating roughly 500 feet from the Joppa community and criticized a lack of public notice or local input. Speakers also cited concerns about power-line infrastructure in Hood and Williamson counties, potential demands on East Texas groundwater, and the conversion of Dallas Market Center property for data center use.
Gina Hinojosa said Texas provides excessive tax breaks to data centers, including sales-tax exemptions on electricity, while leaving residents exposed to higher infrastructure and utility costs. She pledged that, if elected governor, she would impose a moratorium until the Legislature adopts protections for water and electricity, requires community participation and transparency, limits nondisclosure agreements, and establishes guardrails for artificial intelligence. Hinojosa argued that Abbott’s existing data center pause is insufficient and could end after the election, while Abbott’s supporters say the governor has moved toward greater local control.