Hinojosa calls for halt to new Texas data centers, cites water and power concerns
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa called for a pause on new data center development across Texas, citing potential increases in electricity costs and pressure on water supplies. Speaking at a news conference in Dallas, she also criticized Gov. Greg Abbott's policies and the industry's tax incentives.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa is proposing a statewide pause on new data center development in Texas. At a news conference in Dallas, she argued that the facilities could increase electricity costs, strain water supplies and give local communities too little influence over where they are built.
Hinojosa criticized Gov. Greg Abbott's approach to data center growth and said tax incentives for the industry cost Texas at least $1.5 billion annually. She argued that the money could instead support lower property taxes and called for requirements addressing utility impacts, taxes and labor practices. The issue is expected to be part of her campaign against Abbott.