Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa vows to pause future data centers until new regulations are in place
Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa says she plans to pause new data center construction in Texas until stronger regulations are established. The proposed measures would prioritize Texans' water and power needs, require greater transparency and financial responsibility from data centers, and would not affect facilities already operating or under construction.
Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa said she intends to seek a moratorium on new data center projects until the state adopts rules to protect communities. Her proposed agenda includes requiring American union jobs, increasing transparency, reducing costs for residents, making data centers cover their own impacts, and prioritizing water and electricity supplies for Texans.
University of Houston political science lecturer Nancy Sims said the governor could not easily halt facilities that already have permits, tax abatements or are under construction. Sims said Hinojosa could influence future approvals by appointing officials at the Public Utility Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which oversee key permitting processes, despite a Republican-controlled Senate.