Incoming Texas Governor tells AI firms the data center free-for-all is over

Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has announced that the era of unrestricted AI expansion in the state is drawing to a close. Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Hinojosa expressed concern over the way AI firms have been taking advantage of Texas communities, with data centers sprouting up in rural areas without the necessary protections in place.

Hinojosa promised to introduce legislation to reverse this trend, stating that "communities must have a seat at the table" in discussions about AI developments. The incoming governor has vowed to prevent data centers from being rushed into communities without proper consideration, emphasizing that "we need to stop what we are doing with data centers until we have those protections."

Hinojosa's opposition to AI expansion aligns with public sentiment, as a recent CNN poll revealed that 75% of Texans opposed the construction of data centers near their homes. The shift in policy could impact AI companies' expansion plans, as several major players had previously intended to build data centers in Texas.