Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is facing growing calls to convene a special session to enact more oversight on data centers, though the Republican may be unlikely to budge from a planned legislative blitz next year.
Dozens of protesters gathered Monday on the steps of the state Capitol ahead of a state Senate Finance Committee hearing, demanding more action be taken between now and the next regular legislative session slated to begin in January.
In the hearing, lawmakers said they’re concerned that more data centers would get big tax breaks or draw on scarce water supplies before they can pass guardrail legislation next year. Monday’s meeting was part of the Texas Legislature’s interim work to prepare for 2027.
“I’m not trying to be political about this, but the question is whether or not we need to have a special session focusing in on this,” said state Rep. Royce West, a Democrat from the Dallas area.
