Sid Miller calls Abbott's data center push 'political pandering'

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has publicly accused Governor Greg Abbott of prioritizing corporate interests over Texans amidst the rapid expansion of data centers in the state. Miller contends that Governor Abbott facilitated the growth of data centers despite being aware of potential issues for Texas' power grid, water supply, and agricultural land. He further alleged that Abbott has received funds from the data center industry and dismissed the governor's recent call for increased oversight as "political pandering".

Commissioner Miller advocated for Governor Abbott to convene a special legislative session to enact a one-year moratorium on new data center projects. In response, Abbott's office referred to a mid-June directive issued to ERCOT and other state agencies concerning data centers, but Miller indicated he is still awaiting a direct response. Miller emphasized that his opposition to data center expansion is not politically motivated, but rather aimed at safeguarding the interests of Texans.