Abbott Halts Texas Data Center Permits, Orders Audit as Poll Shows 48%-41% Lead
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Sep 21
Abbott Halts Texas Data Center Permits, Orders Audit as Poll Shows 48%-41% Lead
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Sep 21
Summary
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered regulators to stop issuing new data center permits and report by Oct. 19 on compliance with his latest directive.
The move comes amid rising backlash over data centers' strain on power costs, water use and grid reliability, with polls showing many voters oppose having one in their community.
Abbott's order builds on an August moratorium on new grid approvals while ERCOT audits data center connections and the interconnection waitlist.
A Dallas TV station poll showed Abbott leading Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa 48% to 41%, with 8% undecided, after she attacked him for helping fuel the data center boom.
The Data Center Coalition said its members are cooperating with the audit and information requests as Texas reassesses how to manage the industry's rapid growth.