Abbott Defends Texas Freeze on 1,800 Data Center Projects as Grid Data Response Stays Below 10%
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 24
Abbott Defends Texas Freeze on 1,800 Data Center Projects as Grid Data Response Stays Below 10%
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 24
Summary
Abbott said Texas' pause on new data centers is already working, with no new projects moving forward and existing facilities following his state guidelines.
Less than 10% of power-grid operators responded to regulators' requests for electricity and water-use data, he said, leaving ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission unable to assess project impacts.
That shortfall is Abbott's main argument against calling a special legislative session, despite Democratic demands for lawmakers to impose formal protections.
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Abbott's Democratic opponent, said communities still face unregulated projects threatening water, electricity prices and health, making data centers a likely top issue when the legislature returns in January.