Texas halts new data centers until resident protections are in place

Texas' newly elected Governor Gina Hinojosa announced Thursday that the state will halt data center construction until protections for residents are established, citing a lack of rules safeguarding communities from exploitation. Hinojosa said data centers have moved into mostly rural areas with no laws protecting Texans, who are being taken advantage of. She emphasized the state remains pro-business but wants residents to have a say in whether centers are built locally. The announcement follows midterm elections where voters nationwide opposed data centers, with 33 of 40 communities voting for restrictions. Exit polls showed 76% of voters oppose new centers in their areas, making the issue a decisive political factor.