As Texas positions itself to become the nation's leading destination for data center development, a new statewide poll suggests many residents are uneasy about the rapid expansion of the industry, particularly in rural communities where many projects are planned.
A survey released Tuesday by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project found that a majority of Texans oppose the construction of data centers in their local communities, signaling growing public concern about an industry that state leaders have increasingly placed under scrutiny.
The poll, which surveyed 1,200 self-identified registered voters across Texas, found that 56% oppose the construction of a data center in their community, while only 29% support such development. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percentage points.
The findings come at a pivotal moment for Texas, which is experiencing a surge in data center proposals driven largely by the growing demand for artificial intelligence technologies and cloud computing infrastructure. Industry analysts have identified Texas as the top market in the country for future data center growth, with hundreds of projects either proposed or under development.
Rural Texans Show Strongest Opposition
Opposition to data centers was most pronounced among rural Texans, where many developers have targeted projects due to abundant land availability and fewer local regulatory restrictions.
According to the poll, 62% of rural respondents opposed the construction of a data center in their community, while just 22% expressed support.
The results are particularly significant because many of the state's planned facilities are concentrated in rural areas. A recent analysis identified 248 planned data centers across Texas, with roughly half located in unincorporated county areas. These locations often have limited regulatory authority compared to incorporated cities, making them attractive to developers seeking fewer zoning and permitting hurdles.
The concentration of projects in rural regions has increasingly sparked concerns among residents about the long-term impacts on local infrastructure, natural resources and quality of life.
Political Divide Emerges
The poll also revealed notable differences among political groups.
Democratic voters were the most opposed to local data center construction, with 71% expressing opposition. Independent voters also showed strong resistance, with 62% opposed.
Republican voters were far more divided. Among GOP respondents, 44% opposed data center development in their communities, while 42% supported it, making Republicans the only major political group without a clear consensus on the issue.
The split among Republican voters presents a unique challenge for state leaders, many of whom have traditionally embraced large-scale economic development projects while also responding to growing concerns from rural constituents.
State Leaders Signal Increased Oversight
The poll's findings arrive as Texas officials have begun taking a more cautious approach toward the rapidly expanding industry.
Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott directed state regulators to consider tighter oversight of data centers' water and energy consumption. He also voiced support for eliminating a state sales tax exemption that currently benefits data center operators and reportedly costs Texas more than $1 billion annually.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has likewise instructed Senate committees to examine potential legislation addressing the industry's energy demands, water usage and tax incentives ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
The growing attention from state leaders reflects mounting concerns about whether Texas' electric grid and water resources can keep pace with the industry's explosive growth. Data centers require massive amounts of electricity to power servers and cooling systems, while many facilities also consume substantial quantities of water.
AI Concerns May Be Driving Resistance
The survey suggests that opposition to data centers may be linked to broader skepticism about artificial intelligence and its economic effects.
Nearly half of respondents, 49%, said they expect artificial intelligence to have a negative impact on the economy. By comparison, only 29% believe AI will have a positive effect.
As AI companies race to build more computing capacity, data centers have become the physical backbone of the technology's expansion. For many voters, concerns about AI's impact on jobs, economic stability and resource consumption may be influencing perceptions of the facilities that support it.
The findings indicate that Texans are weighing the promised economic benefits of data center investment against concerns about local impacts, resource consumption and the broader implications of emerging technologies.
Legislative Action Likely Ahead
With public skepticism growing and state leaders already signaling concern, the issue appears poised to become a significant topic during the next legislative session.
The combination of widespread opposition, concerns over AI and increasing scrutiny of tax incentives could fuel efforts to impose new regulations on the industry. Policymakers are expected to debate issues ranging from electricity demand and water consumption to tax policy and local oversight authority.
As Texas continues attracting major technology investments, officials will face the challenge of balancing economic development opportunities with voter concerns about the costs that large-scale data center projects may impose on local communities.
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