Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) said Thursday night that she will push for new laws to rein in data center projects once she is sworn into office in January, arguing that the facilities have spread into rural parts of the state without any protections for local residents.
Speaking on CNN, Hinojosa framed the issue as a test of who benefits from the state's economic growth. "Well, we have always been a pro-business state in Texas, but what changes now with me as governor is it has to be a partnership that benefits Texans," she said. "And right now, what has happened is data centers have moved into mostly rural communities, and there are no rules and laws to protect Texans, and Texans are being taken advantage of."
The incoming governor said she plans to put in place "laws to protect Texans" and intends to stop working with data centers "until we have those protections."
"We can have a strong economy, strong industry, and protections for the people of Texas. Those things are not mutually exclusive, and I'll make sure, as governor, I lead to ensure that that happens," she said.
CNN's Jake Tapper clarified during the interview that Hinojosa is not ruling out data centers being built in Texas, but wants "there to be regulations to protect communities." Hinojosa agreed, saying communities must "have a seat at the table to decide if and how these data centers come into their communities." She added: "Texas is like a country. We are so diverse in all ways."
"So, absolutely, we need to make sure they are partners in this effort, and that has always been my position. It is not that I hate data centers. I hate the way they are taking advantage of Texas, and that stops when I'm governor," she said.
Hinojosa defeated outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in an election that also delivered Democratic wins down the ticket. Abbott conceded and told supporters he would "assist her and her team in a period of transition."
During the campaign, Hinojosa took a populist approach to the data center issue, tapping into voter sentiment about the ultrawealthy interests that may own the facilities. She previously vowed to establish a moratorium on data center construction, a pledge that threw the existing data center build-out in Texas into uncertainty.
Her positions have drawn alarm from Republicans. State Rep. Brian Harrison (R) has called on Abbott to curb her power before next year, warning in a social media post that Hinojosa should not have "unchecked emergency powers" and declaring that "the urgency is undeniable.. and inaction is intolerable."
