Texas Governor Greg Abbott criticized AI data center developers for not engaging with local communities before launching projects. Speaking on ABC News’ This Week, Abbott argued that the rapid expansion of data centers has triggered public opposition across Texas and beyond. He stated that many facilities appeared in neighborhoods without public awareness, leading to concerns about power usage, water consumption, and neighborhood impacts.
Abbott emphasized that developers have caused their own problems by neglecting community engagement, resulting in deserved backlash. In response, Texas has paused approvals for new data centers while implementing statewide standards. Future projects must meet requirements concerning water usage, electricity demand, consumer costs, and local community approval.
“They basically dug their own grave for the problem that’s been caused for them and that’s why they got the backlash they deserve,” Abbott said.
Data centers raise various concerns since they require substantial electricity and water for cooling. Critics have voiced issues about noise, pressure on power grids, rising electricity costs, and environmental impacts. Despite the controversy, companies like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google continue building large computing facilities to support AI models and cloud services.
Recently, Abbott ordered a halt on approvals for proposed data centers seeking grid connections while regulators conduct an audit. The review focuses on developers’ expected electricity and water consumption, cooling systems, tax incentives, ownership, and efforts to reduce impacts on surrounding communities.
Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s press secretary, stated the governor prioritizes Texans’ safety and quality of life. The pause requires data centers to provide the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas with necessary information for informed decision-making.
President Donald Trump criticized Abbott’s decision, calling it a “mistake.” Trump emphasized that communities wanting data centers would benefit economically, noting potential increased property values and lower taxes.
Texas remains a top location for data center development. Projects are found in both major metropolitan and smaller communities. Abbott highlighted a Meta-linked project in El Paso as an example, where the facility complies with state guidelines. Texas aims to attract technology investment through abundant land, business-friendly policies, and energy infrastructure.
Public opposition has led to restrictions in various states. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, states like Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania have efforts to restrict data center development. New York has enacted a moratorium on large new data centers, pausing projects for impact studies.
Polling indicates significant resistance to data centers from voters. A survey by Echelon Insights showed 62% opposed a data center in their community, even after being informed of economic benefits. A Reuters/Ipsos survey found 57% of Americans would oppose living near a data center, with Gallup highlighting that seven in ten Americans are against local data centers.