Rural Texans Lead Opposition to Data Centers as State Debate Intensifies

AUSTIN, Texas — A majority of Texans oppose the construction of data centers in their communities, according to a new statewide poll that signals growing backlash against the rapid expansion of an industry that has made Texas the top market for data center development in the United States.

SHERMAN, Grayson County — the Grayson County seat located about 65 miles north of Dallas, is home to Texas Instruments' $30 billion semiconductor fabrication complex and a Tyson Foods facility.

The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project survey of 1,200 registered voters found 56% oppose data center construction in their area, while just 29% support it. Opposition was strongest in rural areas, where 62% of respondents said they opposed local data center development and only 22% were in favor. The poll carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percentage points.

The findings reflect mounting anxiety over the strain that power-hungry data centers place on the state's electric grid and water supplies. The Texas Tribune has identified 248 planned data centers across the state, with roughly half located in unincorporated areas of counties where local governments have limited regulatory authority. The state's sales tax exemption for data centers costs Texas more than $1 billion per year in forgone revenue.

"What the data underlines is how much of a problem the business stakeholders that are heavily in favor of data center development have on their hands. I think the pushback on the issue emerged more quickly and is more widespread than the conventional response to economic development in Texas has historically been," said James Henson, co-director of the Texas Politics Project poll.

Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have already begun responding to the backlash. Abbott sent a letter to state regulators on June 10 supporting tighter regulation of data centers' energy and water use and backing repeal of the sales tax exemption. Patrick in March directed Senate committees to study legislation addressing the industry's impact on water, energy, and the state budget. Political observers say the Legislature is almost certain to act when its next regular session begins in January 2027.

The partisan divide was notable: 71% of Democrats and 62% of independents opposed data centers in their communities, while Republicans were nearly evenly split at 44% opposed and 42% in support. The poll also found that 49% of Texans believe artificial intelligence will have a negative impact on the economy, compared to 29% who expect a positive impact.