Texas Governor-elect Hinojosa Vows to Curb Data Centres, Warns Musk
Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa warns Elon Musk and data centres that Texas will implement new laws to protect rural communities and public lands.
In a bold move to shift the state's approach to corporate growth, Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has announced plans to implement strict laws to protect citizens from the unchecked expansion of Texas data centres. Speaking with CNN, Hinojosa expressed concern that these facilities have been moving into rural communities without sufficient oversight, leading to situations where local residents are being exploited.
Protecting Rural Texas
Hinojosa emphasized that while Texas has long maintained a reputation as a pro-business environment, the nature of those business relationships must change. She argued that the current lack of rules and laws has allowed data centres to take advantage of rural areas.
"We have always been a pro-business state in Texas, but what changes now with me as governor is it has to be a partnership that benefits Texans,"Hinojosa stated. She further asserted that a strong economy and industry can coexist with robust protections for the people, insisting that the two are not mutually exclusive.
A Pause on Expansion
The Governor-elect did not say she is entirely against the industry, but she did call for a halt to current practices. She suggested that the state needs to stop the current trajectory of data centre development until proper protections are codified into law. Hinojosa believes that local communities should have a significant stake in the decision-making process regarding where these facilities are built and how they operate.
The Standoff with Elon Musk
When questioned about the potential reaction of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk—and whether he might consider leaving the state due to these new regulations—Hinojosa remained firm. She indicated that while a positive working relationship with Musk and his various companies is possible, it must happen on the state's terms.
Hinojosa explicitly stated that the state cannot allow corporations to "run over" the people of Texas. This tension is particularly evident regarding the proposed sale of a Texas state park to SpaceX. The Governor-elect described the idea of selling a public beach to Musk as "unimaginable" and "unacceptable."
She reminded critics that Texas beaches are enshrined in the state constitution as being free and open to all citizens, making any private sale of such land a violation of those principles.
A Historic Political Shift
Gina Hinojosa's victory marks a seismic shift in Texas politics. By defeating Republican Governor Greg Abbott, she has ended more than thirty years of Republican control over the governor's office. Hinojosa is the first Democrat to be elected governor of Texas since Ann Richards in 1990, and she makes history as the state's first-ever Latina governor.