Nedley Weber

Abbott promised this week to repeal sales tax exemptions for data centers and pass legislation to limit their water and electricity usage.

The state will have to build new infrastructure to connect data centers to the power grid.

Abbott says regulators must take steps to ensure those construction costs aren't passed on to everyday consumers.

University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Herz says data centers have become a political issue.

Data center regulation has divided Texas Republicans.

Earlier this year, GOP state lawmakers sparred with county leaders looking to pass a data center moratorium near Fort Worth.

For NPR News, I'm Nedley Weber in Houston.

Abbott promised this week to repeal sales tax exemptions for data centers and pass legislation to limit their water and electricity usage.

The state will have to build new infrastructure to connect data centers to the power grid.

Abbott says regulators must take steps to ensure those construction costs aren't passed on to everyday consumers.

University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Herz says data centers have become a political issue.

Data center regulation has divided Texas Republicans.

Earlier this year, GOP state lawmakers sparred with county leaders looking to pass a data center moratorium near Fort Worth.

For NPR News, I'm Nedley Weber in Houston.