Blogs: July 2026

The blooming public discussion in Texas (as well as nationally) suggests many direct reasons for opposition to data centers, particularly in rural and suburban areas, including anticipated higher energy costs, environmental concerns, quality of life issues, and objections to state-provided subsidies for data center construction and operation. However, the latest UT/TxPP Polling suggests another likely contributor to Texans’ skepticism: their at-best mixed attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI).

In a new Second Reading podcast, James Henson and Joshua Blank look at Texas public opinion related to some of the big Supreme Court decisions this week, and have a ranging discussion about signs of the emergence of stronger, if more polarized political parties. They also touch on news of Kelly Hancock's imminent departure as Acting Comptroller and the politics of the governor's appointment of the Republican candidate for the office, former state senator Don Huffines.