Texas Voters oppose Data centers 57% to 43% as election issue grows

Texas has become the fastest-growing state for data centers, with 26GW of existing and under-construction capacity compared to 13GW in Virginia. The state's sales tax exemption for data centers, expanded by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2015, was initially projected to cost $14.6 million but now amounts to an estimated $3.2 billion in lost revenue over two years. Electricity bills have risen 35.4 percent over five years, and data center water use could grow from 0.4 percent to 2.7 percent of state totals by 2030.

Abbott has shifted course, ordering moratoriums on permits and proposing to repeal the tax exemption, but advocates say the pauses don't cover off-grid projects. His opponent Gina Hinojosa has gained ground campaigning against data centers, though some activists question her sincerity. Both Senate candidates Ken Paxton and James Talarico have also adjusted positions, though both have taken campaign money from data center interests.