Texas Governor seeking protections amid data center development
Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa is calling for data center development to stop until protections for residents are established and communities have a role in approving projects. The push follows concerns about water supplies and rising electricity costs, while outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott has enacted a statewide moratorium on new data center construction.
Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa is seeking a pause in data center development until protections for residents are in place. She says developers should demonstrate clear benefits for Texans and that local communities should help decide whether projects move forward.
The proposal comes amid concerns over data centers' demand for water and electricity. Texas has more than 80 operating data centers, with about 50 under construction and more than 120 planned. Outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott had already enacted a statewide moratorium on building data centers, according to the report.