Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has called for an immediate moratorium on the construction of data centers until the state legislature can establish regulations to protect residents. Hinojosa argues that tech companies have exploited rural communities by draining water resources and increasing electricity costs without public oversight.
This policy shift follows the 2026 midterm elections, where a University of Texas poll indicated that 57% of voters oppose local data center construction. Hinojosa intends to replace the previous administration's approach with a partnership model that prioritizes local community protections over corporate interests.
