Daily on Energy: Newly elected Democratic governors threaten data center development

Newly elected Democratic governors in Texas, Georgia and Ohio have pledged to pause or restrict data centre projects, reflecting voter concerns over the industry’s effects on energy costs, water and local communities. Their proposals could make new developments harder to approve, while Meta says starting new US data centre builds will be challenging.

In Texas, Gina Hinojosa has proposed a statewide moratorium until safeguards are in place; the state has at least 596 operating or planned data centres. Georgia’s Keisha Lance Bottoms plans an executive order pausing development, while Ohio’s Amy Acton has called for restrictions including requirements on power supply, labour and environmental protections. Meta says expanding existing centres may be easier than building new ones, and is also considering other countries.