Hinojosa vows to protect Texas communities from data centers

Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) vowed to protect Texans from data center projects after taking office in January, citing a lack of rules that allow communities to be taken advantage of. Hinojosa said she will implement laws to safeguard Texans and pause working with data centers until protections exist, emphasizing that a strong economy and industry protections are not mutually exclusive. She clarified she does not oppose data centers but wants communities to have a say in their placement. Hinojosa defeated outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who pledged to assist her transition. Her campaign promised a moratorium on data center construction, prompting state Rep. Brian Harrison (R) to urge Abbott to limit her emergency powers before she assumes office.