Texas Poll Reveals Strong Voter Opposition to Data Centers
A new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll reveals that data centers remain a highly divisive political issue among Texas voters, with 57% opposing their construction in their communities. Concerns include negative impacts on quality of life, environment, water supply, energy bills, and electric grid reliability. Governor Greg Abbott has responded to this widespread opposition by ordering audits, pausing project approvals, and directing regulators to protect ratepayers.
A recent poll by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project confirms that data centers are a contentious political issue for Texas voters. The August survey of 1,200 registered voters found that 57% oppose the construction of data centers in their communities, with only 30% expressing support, mirroring results from a June poll.
Opposition is particularly strong among Democrats (75%), Independents (54%), and residents in rural and suburban areas (60%). Voters cited various quality-of-life concerns, including negative impacts on the natural environment, water supply reliability, local energy bills, and electric grid stability. Public skepticism also extends to artificial intelligence, with 46% anticipating a negative economic impact.
Earlier polling from Cygnal indicated 82% support for Governor Greg Abbott's initiative requiring data centers to cover their own electric infrastructure costs, underscoring a public desire for stronger regulations and cost protections. In response to the growing public discontent, Governor Abbott has initiated audits, temporarily halted certain project approvals, and instructed regulators to prevent ratepayer cost burdens.
These findings suggest that data center development faces significant political headwinds in Texas, with voter opposition remaining firm.