Statewide Poll Finds Texans Want Tighter Rules on Data Center Growth

AUSTIN, Texas — A majority of Texans oppose the construction of new data centers in their communities, according to a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll released this week, signaling a significant shift in public sentiment as the state positions itself to become the top market for data center development in the United States.

The survey of 1,200 self-reported registered voters, conducted with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percentage points, found that 56 percent oppose a data center being built in their community, while only 29 percent support such projects. Opposition was strongest in rural areas, where 62 percent were against new data centers.

The partisan divide was notable, with 71 percent of Democrats and 62 percent of independents opposing data center construction, while Republicans were virtually split at 44 percent opposed and 42 percent in support.

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

A Texas Tribune analysis identified 248 planned data centers across the state, with approximately half located in unincorporated areas of counties that have limited regulatory oversight compared to cities. The state is poised to become the number one market for data centers in the country.

Van Alstyne, situated about 50 miles north of Dallas and spanning the Collin-Grayson county line, has approximately 5,500 residents.

The poll comes as state leaders signal a shift toward tighter regulation. Governor Greg Abbott wrote to state regulators on June 10 calling for stricter controls on energy and water use by data centers and urging repeal of a state sales tax exemption costing Texas more than one billion dollars per year. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick directed the Senate interim committees in March to explore legislation regulating the centers use of resources.

Economic anxiety combined with data-center backlash may influence the November general election, according to the poll analysis, and the results signal the Texas Legislature is almost certain to act when its next regular session begins in January 2027.

"I am not saying this is the undoing of the Republican Party, but it is a challenge for them, and that is why you are seeing Gov. Abbott and others take a proactive stance on this now," Henson added.