Broad-Based Voter Backlash Against Data Centers Grows in Texas

Rapidly increasing data center construction across Texas, driven by artificial intelligence and technology demands, is facing serious opposition from voters in the state due to water consumption, tax incentives, and high electricity costs. Ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, groups from different parts of the political spectrum have come together to form a common coalition.

According to Gary Bledsoe, president of the Texas NAACP, while local residents continue to struggle against projects in Austin and its surrounding suburbs, the establishment of a data center in a planned park area in the city of Taylor is drawing backlash. In the city of Temple, about 40 miles away, recall efforts are underway against the mayor and council members due to similar projects. San Marcos, 30 miles from Austin, became the first city in Texas to ban data centers.

According to a public opinion poll conducted in August, 57 percent of voters in Texas oppose data center construction. This rate was recorded as 43 percent among Republicans, 75 percent among Democrats, and 54 percent among independent voters. Accordingly, the "We the People Texas" coalition, spearheaded by the NAACP and estimated to represent about 1 million voters, aims to halt or slow down data center construction.

As midterm elections approach in the state, Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election against his Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa. Meanwhile, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is competing against Democrat James Talarico in a high-profile Senate race. Candidates are forced to respond to voters' concerns regarding the impact on water, land, and livelihoods.