More than 80% of likely Texas voters expressed at least some concern about the impact of data centers on electricity prices, water supply and power outages, according to a new poll from the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs. More than two-thirds said they were extremely or very concerned.
Texas has at least 660 data centers planned or operating, according to the Houston Chronicle's data center tracker. The poll found fewer than half of likely voters believed the facilities would have an extremely or very beneficial impact on technological advancement or electrical infrastructure. About one-third said they would be largely beneficial to tax revenue or job creation.
The poll also found a partisan split. Nearly all Democrats said they were highly concerned about the industry's effect on electricity and water supply, while about half of Republicans said the same. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for allowing the industry to expand under his leadership.