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…
On Thursday, Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa announced that the state will enact legislation to safeguard its citizens from data centers, citing their impact on rural areas. Texas has emerged as a leading hub for data center development due to its abundant energy resources, affordable land, and business-friendly policies. However, these data centers have predominantly settled in rural communities without any protective regulations or laws to safeguard the residents.
Hinojosa, who won the gubernatorial election against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, spoke to CNN about the need for these protective measures. She urged to halt the progress of data center projects until comprehensive safeguards are in place. Hinojosa emphasized the importance of involving communities in the decision-making process regarding the operation of data centers within their jurisdictions.
Contrary to US President Donald Trump's administration, which has advocated for data center expansion as a national priority, public sentiment towards such projects is becoming more negative. Critics raise concerns about the increased electricity demand, water usage, impact on wildlife, and reduced public access to federal resources.
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