Opposition was most intense in rural counties. Texas is poised to be the No. 1 market for data centers in the U.S., with the most planned projects of any state.
Artificial intelligence
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Energy
In the Permian Basin, AI takes on big oil’s dirty water problem
Facing limited options, oil industry turns to AI to handle wastewater from oil production. Producers discovered other uses to streamline the process.
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Data Centers in Texas
Texas county pauses data center construction in rural areas for a year
Hill County commissioners’ split vote to issue a moratorium appears to be a first in Texas.
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Higher Education
AI is changing how Texas universities teach computer science as job market slows
Admissions to Texas computer science programs are down roughly 20%, professors said, but they still see a future for their students.
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2026 Texas Elections
AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional races
Groups funded by artificial intelligence industry leaders have spent more than $2.8 million in the state, mostly on U.S. House GOP candidates who favor a light regulatory touch.
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2026 Texas Elections
How to spot AI-generated images and online content during the 2026 primary elections
Identifying falsified or digitally enhanced videos, photos and ads takes attention and awareness, but helpful tools are out there.
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State Government
Texas county rejects a moratorium on data center development amid AI boom
The 3-2 vote from Hood County commissioners Tuesday came after they received a letter from a state senator saying they did not have the power to issue a moratorium.
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Environment
El Paso’s plan to build natural gas power plant for massive data center kicks up opposition
Meta’s planned data center could be El Paso’s biggest electricity user. Some residents worry that a new power plant to run it would worsen air pollution and guzzle water.
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Energy
Texas forecast to be top market for data centers in two years, increasing grid demand
As artificial intelligence pushes demand for more data centers, companies are drawn to the state’s relatively inexpensive land and natural gas that can run on-site power plants.
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State Government
Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose Trump’s order targeting state AI laws
Texas’ new law regulating AI is set to take effect Jan. 1, two months after Trump’s executive order threatening to cut off some federal money if states pass “onerous” AI laws.
