Texas Voters Oppose Data Centers Amid Governor Abbott's Grid Approval Pause, Poll Shows

News Clip2:02Forbes Breaking News·TX·8/19/2026

A recent poll reveals that a majority of Texas voters oppose building data centers in their communities, with roughly 60% against the development. This widespread opposition comes as Governor Greg Abbott defends his decision to pause new data center grid approvals, highlighting the issue's political toxicity for candidates.

oppositiongovernmentelectricitymoratorium
Gov: Governor of Texas, Texas State Legislature

Emerson College Polling senior director Matt Taglia reported on "Forbes Newsroom" that the issue of data centers has become a significant and contentious topic in Texas politics over the past year. A recent poll indicates strong opposition among Texas voters to the construction of data centers in their communities, with approximately 60% opposing and only 33% supporting such developments.

Taglia highlighted that this is a