Governors’ races are being increasingly buffeted by the toxic politics of data centers
Summary
Governors in key U.S. states are changing their views on data centers due to public concern about their high energy use and impact on local communities. Some states are slowing approvals or adding rules for data centers as voters show greater unease before upcoming elections.Key Facts
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said data centers will no longer get priority permits or big tax breaks unless they pay full electricity costs and limit water use.
- Shapiro is under pressure from GOP opponent Stacy Garrity amid community protests against data center projects.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott, once a supporter, recently ordered a pause on new data center projects and plans to introduce stricter laws, including cutting large tax breaks.
- Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa in Texas criticized Abbott for supporting data centers at the expense of rural residents.
- Residents in many areas are opposing large data centers because of worries about losing farmland, increased noise and pollution, higher electricity bills, and water shortages.
- Data centers have grown in size due to artificial intelligence needs, sometimes being larger than sports stadiums and consuming huge amounts of energy.
- Local zoning and permitting boards in various states are rejecting more data center projects as public opposition grows.
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