Bipartisan backlash grows against data centers as Texas and New York move to regulate tech industry expansion
By
Allegra Kirkland
Summary
This article examines the growing bipartisan backlash against data center development across the United States. It highlights how both Republican-led Texas (under Governor Greg Abbott) and Democratic-led New York (under Governor Kathy Hochul) are pushing back against the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by concerns over energy consumption, environmental impact, strain on local infrastructure, and rising electricity costs for residents. The piece explores the unusual political alignment on this issue, with communities across the ideological spectrum raising alarms about the tech industry's unchecked growth and its real-world consequences.
Source
bskyBipartisan backlash grows against data centers as Texas and New York move to regulate tech industry expansiontalkingpointsmemo.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThis month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, unveiled a set of sweeping recommendations to rein in rampant data center development, urging Texas lawmakers to aggressively regulate the tech industry in a state that has a reputation for welcoming new development with open arms.
At the same time, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the Democratic leader of a state known for regulatory restrictions, has declined to say whether she will sign a first-of-its-kind bill that would pause new data centers in the state.
The remarkably bipartisan backlash to data centers is being driven by concerns over energy consumption, environmental impact, and rising electricity costs for residents.
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