Texas Data Centers: Hinojosa Proposes Pause
The incoming governor seeks a moratorium on construction pending new state regulations.
By Eric Collins ·
Gina Hinojosa, the newly elected Texas governor, announced she intends to pause new data center construction in the state. She said this temporary halt will remain in place until the Texas legislature establishes specific rules to protect local residents. Hinojosa stated she wants to ensure that communities have a genuine voice in how these facilities affect their neighborhoods.
Speaking on CNN, Hinojosa clarified that her opposition is not to the technology itself, but to the current regulatory environment. She described the situation as one where companies are exploiting the lack of state laws. "I hate the way they are taking advantage of Texas, and that stops when I’m governor," she told host Jake Tapper.
Hinojosa won the midterm election against incumbent Greg Abbott. Her victory followed a broader Democratic surge that also saw James Talarico defeat Ken Paxton for the Senate. This occurred despite Elon Musk spending $446 million to support Republican candidates. Hinojosa noted that Texas is diverse and different communities have different needs.
She specifically addressed the issue of SpaceX and the proposed sale of local land in Boca Chica State Park. Hinojosa called the idea of selling beachfront property to Musk "unacceptable." She added that it is "almost unimaginable" to sell that land, even if it means the company might move its operations to another location.
Hinojosa cited CNN polling showing that 75 percent of Texans oppose data centers in their immediate communities. She argued that while Texas has traditionally been a pro-business state, the relationship must now become a partnership that benefits residents. She pointed out that data centers have primarily moved into rural areas where few existing laws offer protection.
To implement her plan, Hinojosa has called for an immediate moratorium on new projects. She even urged Governor Abbott to issue an executive order to stop construction right away, before she takes office. Her goal is to create a framework that allows for a strong economy while providing legal safeguards for the people living near these new facilities.
