Democrats try to harness data center backlash that’s dividing rural Republicans in places like Texas
Data center development is becoming a significant, divisive political issue in Texas, influencing the gubernatorial race and creating cross-partisan backlash. Concerns center on environmental impacts like water and electricity consumption, and the lack of local zoning authority. Governor Abbott has proposed regulations, while Democratic candidate Hinojosa criticizes the rapid, unregulated growth.
The rapid growth of data centers is emerging as a defining political issue in Texas, creating a backlash that Democrats, like gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, are attempting to leverage against Republicans. This issue is dividing traditionally conservative rural areas, which fear threats to rural life, ranchland, and dwindling water supplies from energy-intensive server warehouses.
Hinojosa has criticized the unregulated expansion of data centers, labeling it the "wild west." The backlash extends to other statewide campaigns in Arizona, Ohio, and New York, uniting both conservatives and liberals against projects due to concerns over secrecy, air, noise, water, and light pollution, rising electricity bills, and loss of open space. In Texas, the state is projected to become the largest global data center market by 2030, with projects including a massive one near Amarillo and four by Google in northwest Texas.
Despite Governor Greg Abbott's previous advocacy for such projects, he now faces pressure and has ordered regulators to address electricity bill concerns, promising legislative action next year to impose regulations, including ending state tax breaks and preventing construction in rural neighborhoods. Critics, including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and former Republican activist Suzanne Bellsnyder, suggest Abbott's proposed actions are insufficient. The lack of county-level zoning authority in Texas is also a key point of contention.
Water consumption by data centers is a major concern for ranchers and farmers in drought-prone Texas, potentially exacerbating existing water shortages. Protest groups, like one in Lubbock led by Republicans, have formed, indicating that the issue is fostering cross-partisan unity against data center development. While it's uncertain if this sentiment will translate into votes against Abbott, it signals a significant shift in Texas politics.