Texas governor-elect says state will have laws to shield citizens from data centers
WASHINGTON — Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa said on Thursday that the state will introduce laws to protect its residents with regards to data centers, citing their impact on rural communities. With plentiful energy supplies, relatively cheap land and a pro-business policy, Texas has become one of the leading regions in the world for data center developments. "Data centers have moved into…
Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa announced on Thursday that the state will enact legislation to safeguard citizens from the effects of data centers, as they pose a threat to rural communities. Recognizing the state's ample energy resources, affordable land, and business-friendly policies, Texas has emerged as a prominent hub for data center operations globally.
However, data centers have predominantly encroached upon rural areas, leaving Texans without any protective measures. Democrat Hinojosa, who defeated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the recent election, expressed her intention to introduce protective laws during an interview with CNN. She emphasized the necessity of halting all current data center activities until such safeguards are in place, stressing that communities should participate in decision-making regarding the operation of data centers within their territories.
The US President's administration has wholeheartedly supported the expansion of data centers as a national priority, but public sentiment towards these projects is increasingly negative, as concerns regarding electricity demand, water usage, wildlife impacts, and public access to federal lands persist.
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