More than 80% of Texas voters worry data centers will strain power and water resources, poll finds
A University of Houston poll found that more than 80% of likely Texas voters are concerned data centers will increase pressure on electricity supplies, water resources and power grids. The findings come as Gov. Greg Abbott has directed state environmental regulators to halt permits for new facilities, though watchdog groups say some data center-related permits continued to advance.
More than 80% of likely Texas voters expressed concern about data centers’ effects on electricity prices, water supplies and power outages, according to a University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll. More than two-thirds said they were extremely or very concerned, while fewer than half viewed the industry as highly beneficial to technology or electrical infrastructure and about one-third saw major benefits for tax revenue or jobs.
The poll found a partisan divide, with Democrats expressing significantly greater concern than Republicans. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has criticized Gov. Greg Abbott over the industry’s growth, while Abbott has directed state environmental regulators to halt permits for new facilities. An analysis by two environmental watchdog groups said 16 data center-related permit applications were nevertheless advanced or approved after the directive, a claim Abbott’s office disputes.