Texas Governor Abbott Pauses New Data Center Projects Amid Growing Opposition
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken executive action to pause new data center projects in the state, citing growing public opposition and concerns over local community input. He is promoting new requirements for data centers, including local approval, self-supplied power, reduced electricity costs, and avoidance of residential areas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently dismissed GOP concerns about the upcoming midterm elections in Texas, expressing confidence in the state's voters to choose Republicans over Democrats. During an interview with ABC News' Jonathan Karl in Austin, Abbott focused on the contrast between candidates, particularly in the Senate race between James Talarico and Attorney General Ken Paxton, and his own gubernatorial race against State Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
Separately, Abbott addressed the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers across Texas, which currently hosts over 300 with 200 more planned. Acknowledging increasing public opposition and outrage at the speed of development and lack of local input, Abbott announced executive actions to address these concerns. He stated that data centers must now secure local community approval and comply with specific requirements, such as providing their own power, reducing electricity costs, and not building near residential neighborhoods.
As part of these measures, Governor Abbott has paused new data center projects in Texas to ensure compliance. This stance has drawn criticism from his opponent, Hinojosa, who accused him of political "flip-flopping," and even from former President Donald Trump, who called the pause a "mistake." Abbott defended his decision, emphasizing Texas's unique power grid situation and his commitment to solving the issues through a structured approach.