Abbott Pushes Rural Data Center Ban | San Antonio News

Governor Greg Abbott is escalating his push to stop new AI-focused data centers from sprouting up in rural Texas, framing it as a stand for East Texas values and local protection. While his earlier proposals targeted infrastructure, water, and power accountability, his latest stance calls for a broader halt — backed by a letter from June and a directive to the Public Utility Commission. Rural communities and activists are sounding the alarm over water scarcity, pollution, and soaring energy costs, while the Data Center Coalition defends these hubs as essential for global competitiveness and local tax revenue. Despite some counties backing down from moratoriums due to legal pressure, cities like San Marcos are taking bold steps — including outright bans — sparking a statewide clash between tech growth and community preservation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7760413c1f4f2849