New Poll Shows Most Texans Oppose Data Centers

By Paul Cobler / The Texas Tribune

AUSTIN, TX — A majority of Texans oppose the construction of data centers in their community, including nearly two-thirds of those living in rural areas, according to a new poll published Tuesday. 

The survey of 1,200 self-reported registered voters conducted by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project comes as state officials increase their scrutiny of the tech industry and its race to build out the infrastructure needed to support the growing use of artificial intelligence.

“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,” said James Henson, co-director of the poll and head of the Texas Politics Project. “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.”

Overall, 56% of those surveyed by the UT poll said they oppose the construction of a data center in their community, while only 29% said they supported the construction. The poll’s margin of error is +/-2.83 points. 

Opposition was strongest in rural areas, where the poll found 62% oppose the construction of a local data center and 22% supported, according to the poll.

Democratic and independent voters were more likely to oppose the construction of a local data center, at 71% and 62%, respectively. GOP voters were more split, with 44% opposed and 42% in favor. 

Texas is poised to be the No. 1 market for data centers in the U.S., with the most planned projects of any state. A Texas Tribune analysis of data center construction in the state found a majority of the planned data centers are located in rural counties where land is more plentiful and local governments have less regulatory oversight. 

The Tribune in a recent analysis identified 248 planned data centers, about half of which were located in unincorporated areas of counties, which have limited means of regulation in comparison to cities. 

On June 10, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a letter to state regulators that voiced support for tighter regulation of the centers’ energy and water use and the repeal of a state sales tax exemption for data centers, which is costing the state more than a billion dollars a year.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in March directed the state Senate’s interim committees to explore legislation regulating the centers’ water and energy use and the cost of the sales tax exemption for data centers to the state. 

The results echo with negative feelings about the impact of artificial intelligence on an economy voters already don’t feel good about. 

The poll found that 49% of respondents said they expect artificial intelligence to have a negative impact on the economy, compared with 29% who say they expect a positive impact. 

The economic concerns combined with negative feelings about data centers could weigh on the November’s general election, Henson said. The results also indicate the Legislature is almost certain to take action on the issue when its next session begins in January, Henson added.