Solar and battery power generations have helped bolster ERCOT’s grid, but data center, population and economic growth is slated to surge demand.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Small plots of land fuel big suspicions among Lubbock residents, who fear it’s for a data center
Despite community concerns, the president of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance said neither piece of land would be conducive for a data center.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Ken Paxton’s campaign says he will debate James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race
Paxton’s campaign said he plans to debate after Talarico challenged him to do so, though it did not commit to a specific host.
Posted in
Politics
“A deal with the devil”: Religion motivates data center opponents in Texas
Some see the AI facilities as a sign of the apocalypse, others see an opportunity to advocate for environmental stewardship.
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Energy
Energy agencies want more authority over Texas data centers
The request comes after Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Electric Reliability Council of Texas to further regulate data centers’ use of the power grid.
Posted in
Higher Education
Censorship or accountability? Impact of law prompting Texas’ scrutiny of universities detailed
Students and professors shared how SB 37 led to academic censorship at their campuses.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Talarico leads Paxton by 5 points in new poll of Texas’ U.S. Senate race
The poll found the Austin Democrat with a commanding lead among independents and a surprising edge with non-college-educated voters, who have consistently favored Republicans.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2027
Dan Patrick directs Texas Senate to study ways to further ingrain religion into public life
The lieutenant governor released seven new charges for state senators to study before the Legislature reconvenes, including ways to “inform and remind Texans of their religious liberty rights.”
Posted in
Economy
Thousands of apartments going up thanks to new Texas housing laws. But resistance lingers in the suburbs.
The laws, which make it easier to build apartments, face stiff resistance from North Texas suburbs. State lawmakers vow to force cities to comply.
Posted in
Higher Education
Universities can use conservative-favored entrance exam as Texas eyes wider use, agency chief says
Texas may expand use of the Classical Learning Test despite a new report finding less evidence its scores predict college success than the SAT or ACT.
