Hinojosa Seeks Data Center Moratorium

Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa is pressing Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a moratorium on new data centers until a statewide regulatory framework is in place, arguing the industry strains water supplies and raises utility bills. She calls for rules enforcing American union labor, ending NDAs, local community oversight, and limits on subsidies so costs reflect households rather than corporate gains. Abbott has signaled regulatory action, including a June letter urging protections for ratepayers and moves to require data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure, with at least one project near Cedar Creek Lake scaled back. Hinojosa says an emergency executive order or a special legislative session is needed to halt construction and implement protections before more projects proceed. Opponents in rural communities report health and water concerns, underscoring the debate ahead of election-season politics. State regulators (PUC/ERC) are pursuing new measures, but supporters warn delays could invite a rush to finish under looser rules.