Sid Miller says Republicans will lose statewide elections due to data center development, backlash
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticizes Governor Greg Abbott for inaction on data center development, arguing it will lead to Republican losses in statewide elections. Miller advocates for a one-year moratorium and a special session to address data center resource consumption. Governor Abbott has recently called for a pause on grid connection approvals and an end to sales tax exemptions, actions Miller views as mere political maneuvering.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has publicly criticized Governor Greg Abbott for what he describes as inaction on the rapid expansion of data centers across the state, warning that the issue could cost Republicans statewide elections. Speaking to The Texas Tribune in Lubbock, Miller highlighted the strong public opposition to data center construction, citing a poll indicating a majority of Texans are against it in their communities. He asserted that while Democrats are addressing the issue, Republicans, including Abbott, are not, potentially jeopardizing their electoral chances.
Miller has repeatedly urged Governor Abbott to take stronger measures, including implementing a one-year moratorium on data center development, convening a special legislative session, and returning campaign donations from data center companies. He claims Abbott has ignored these requests. However, Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, stated that the Governor has taken "significant action." This includes a recent call to pause approvals for all data centers seeking grid connection until an audit is conducted and advocating for the Legislature to end a multibillion-dollar sales tax exemption for data centers next year.
Despite these recent actions, Miller dismisses them as "smoke and mirrors" and "campaign fluff," designed to politically protect Abbott through Election Day without genuine intent to regulate the industry. He suspects Abbott is giving data center companies time to get "grandfathered in" before any real restrictions are imposed. Miller also noted that other statewide officials are hesitant to speak out against data centers due to fear of Abbott's political influence and campaign funding. He continues to push for an immediate special session, arguing it could quickly resolve the issue of data center resource consumption affecting the state's grid, water, and land.