More than 80% of likely Texas voters expressed at least some concern about data centers' impact on electricity prices, water supply and power outages, according to a new University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll. More than two-thirds said they were "extremely or very concerned."
Fewer than half of likely voters said data centers would have an "extremely or very beneficial" impact on technological advancement or electrical infrastructure. About a third said they would be largely beneficial to tax revenue or job creation. Nearly all Democrats surveyed were highly concerned about electricity and water, compared with about half of Republicans.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for allowing the industry to grow under his leadership. Abbott signed a 2015 bill expanding tax breaks for some data center projects. Last month, he directed state environmental regulators to "halt all permits" for new facilities. Two environmental watchdog groups said the state still advanced or approved 16 permit applications after that directive. Abbott's office disputed the analysis. Houston Chronicle data shows at least 660 Texas data centers planned or operating.