Texas Governor Abbott criticized over data center policies and power grid strain

Houston Chronicle business columnist Chris Tomlinson argues that Texas Governor Greg Abbott is responsible for the state's growing data center problem, the strain on its power grid, and rising costs for Texans. Tomlinson refutes Abbott's claim that data center companies failed to rally public support, instead pointing to a decade of policies that prioritized profits over people.

According to Tomlinson, Governor Abbott actively invited data center companies to build in Texas, promising to make the state a leader in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining with low taxes, minimal regulations, and cheap electricity and water. Republican lawmakers, including State Senator Paul Bachinort, passed legislation providing property tax cuts to data centers and stripping city and county governments of their authority to regulate these facilities. Attorney General Ken Paxton has yet to respond to inquiries from counties about their remaining regulatory powers.

Tomlinson highlights that dozens of grassroots representatives, along with city and county officials, had previously pleaded with the legislature not to pass these tax incentives or remove local authority. They testified before legislative committees, explaining the need for more regulation, not less, concerning land, electricity, and pollution. Tomlinson concludes that the state's current issues stem directly from these past legislative decisions, and criticizes Abbott for attempting to shift blame while proposing policies he previously rejected.