56% of Texans Oppose Local Data Centers as Rural Resistance Hits 62%
Updated
Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jun 23
56% of Texans Oppose Local Data Centers as Rural Resistance Hits 62%
3 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jun 23
Summary
A University of Texas poll of 1,200 registered voters found 56% oppose building a data center in their community, while 29% support it.
Rural opposition ran even stronger at 62% versus 22% support, a notable risk for an industry planning 248 Texas projects, many in red rural counties and unincorporated areas.
AI skepticism appears to be feeding that backlash: 49% of respondents said artificial intelligence will hurt the economy, compared with 29% who expect a positive impact.
State leaders are already responding. Greg Abbott on June 10 backed tighter rules on data centers' energy and water use and ending a sales-tax break costing Texas more than $1 billion a year.
The poll suggests the issue could shape November politics and makes legislative action in the next Texas session, starting in January, increasingly likely.