Texas Halts Data Center Approvals Amid Regulatory Audits Ordered by Governor Abbott
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has announced a moratorium on the approval of new data centers in the state until regulatory audits are completed. This decision comes amid growing public concern over the rapid expansion of data centers and their impact on local resources. The audits, to be conducted by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), will assess data centers' power and water usage, tax incentives, and community impact. Abbott's directive aims to ensure that data centers comply with state regulations and prioritize Texans' safety and quality of life. The moratorium affects over 1,800 projects in ERCOT's interconnection queue, with data centers accounting for approximately 90% of new power requests. 
