Texas Halts Data Center Permits as Abbott Orders Power Demand Audit

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered state regulators to temporarily stop issuing permits for new data centers while agencies audit the industry's growing electricity and water demand. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will pause approvals as officials assess whether the state's grid and water infrastructure can support the expansion.

• Abbott ordered a pause on data center permits during the audit
• Review covers electricity and water use of new facilities
• Grid connection requests far exceed projects likely to be built
• Developers may be required to fund more infrastructure themselves