GoKawiilGreg Abbott Reverses Course, Blames AI Firms for Data Center Backlash in Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott told ABC that AI companies have caused their own backlash by building data centers without coordinating with state or local governments. This marks a sharp reversal from just months ago, when Abbott championed Texas as the 'epicenter of AI development' and celebrated a $40 billion Google investment tied to tax breaks. Abbott recently imposed a moratorium on new data center projects, citing strain on the state's power grid.
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Abbott's about-face signals that opposition to data centers has become genuinely bipartisan, no longer confined to blue states worried about environmental or community impacts. With hundreds of AI facility proposals threatening Texas' already fragile power grid, this backlash could shape political fights heading into the midterms and even the 2028 presidential race.
- Abbott reversed his stance, now criticizing AI companies for the data center backlash.
- Texas previously courted massive AI investment, including a $40 billion Google deal, with tax incentives.
- A new moratorium on data center projects reflects grid-strain concerns and growing bipartisan pushback.
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Published there as: “Texas Governor Suddenly Turns on Data Centers as Backlash Grows”
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