Texas Lt. Gov. Patrick pushes for data center moratorium
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for a statewide moratorium on new data centers during a campaign stop in Corpus Christi, Texas, to allow lawmakers to establish new rules. He emphasized the need to convert existing executive orders into law for better regulation. His opponent, Vicky Goodwin, also supports tighter regulations concerning data center water and power usage and local authority.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, during a campaign stop in Corpus Christi, Texas, advocated for a statewide moratorium on new data centers. He asserted that the current approach to data center development is unsustainable, stating that they "can't come in and run over Texas." Patrick proposed that the moratorium should extend through the next legislative session, allowing sufficient time for comprehensive hearings and the codification of "guardrails" recommended by Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton, transforming their executive orders into enforceable law.
Patrick, who is campaigning for another term as lieutenant governor against Democrat Vicky Goodwin, found common ground with his opponent on the need for stricter data center regulation. Goodwin has also called for increased transparency regarding data centers' water and power consumption, along with greater local authority over new projects. The discussion also touched upon Corpus Christi's ongoing water crisis, for which Patrick criticized city leaders.