Abbott Orders Texas Data Center Audits as $34 Billion Leon County Project Fuels Rural GOP Revolt
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 11
Abbott Orders Texas Data Center Audits as $34 Billion Leon County Project Fuels Rural GOP Revolt
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 11
Summary
Abbott said several data center companies, including OpenAI, have agreed to state audits required before connecting to the Texas grid, part of new rules meant to protect power, water and local communities.
The move follows mounting backlash in deep-red rural counties, where conservatives say projects shift infrastructure costs to residents, strain emergency services and bring few jobs despite massive land and power demands.
In Leon County, commissioners last month denied tax breaks for Crusoe Technologies' proposed 800-acre, $34 billion campus, but said limited county zoning power leaves them largely unable to stop it.
Nearly 248 data center projects have been proposed statewide, about half in unincorporated rural areas; a recent poll found 56% of Texans oppose centers in their communities.
That pressure is reshaping Texas Republican politics, with Abbott, Dan Patrick and state GOP activists now backing tighter oversight, while some longtime Trump voters say they may back Democrats or demand a special session.