Daily Digest — August 10, 2026
Texas Governor Pauses Data Center Approvals, Orders Statewide Audit
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all data centers in ERCOT's interconnection queue before any new approvals proceed, according to The Texas Energy and Power Newsletter. ERCOT is currently tracking over 1,800 projects — primarily data centers — representing more than 474 gigawatts of electricity, roughly five times the grid's record peak demand. Bloomberg NEF analysis suggests the pause could put billions of dollars in data center leasing revenue at risk nationwide.
As reported by FOX 26 Houston, the audits will verify that current and future data centers are providing their own electricity and recycling their own water. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the move, accusing the governor of initially attracting data center businesses to the state before seeking to regulate them. Panelists suggested Abbott's actions respond to discontent from his political base regarding data center impacts on rural communities.
According to CNN-News18, the directive comes amid a national trend of significant construction delays, with Goldman Sachs reporting that 50% of data centers scheduled for 2028 won't be built on time. A recent Gallup poll found 71% of Americans oppose data center facilities in their neighborhoods.
Trump Calls Texas Opposition to Data Centers a 'Mistake'
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Texas's stance against data centers, stating in a video interview with Punchbowl News that the state's opposition is a "mistake," according to the Longview News-Journal. Trump suggested data centers "could be bigger than oil" for Texas and pointed to technological advancements that allow facilities to generate their own electricity on-site and feed excess power back into the grid.
As also reported by the Jefferson City News Tribune, Trump's comments came the same week as Governor Abbott's audit directive. Dallas-Fort Worth has recently been identified as a top data center market, underscoring the tension between the state's role as an industry leader and growing local opposition that has prompted some officials to consider moratoriums.
Rowan Digital Infrastructure Advances Sixth Data Center in Temple, Texas Amid Protests
Rowan Digital Infrastructure is seeking city approval for the Lasso Building, its sixth and final data center within its "Project Temple" development, according to KXXV. The proposed facility represents an additional $700 million investment on a 300-acre industrial site, bringing the combined Project Temple investment to a projected $4.2 billion.
Key details:
- Planning and Zoning Commission review: August 2026
- City council consideration: September 2026
- Construction target: early 2027
- Projected tax revenue: $45 million annually
- Estimated construction jobs: 500+
Community group "Temple Stands Together" continues to protest and is advocating for a moratorium on data center development, arguing that the city council consistently approves projects without addressing public concerns. Rowan's spokesperson noted the facilities utilize closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water usage.
$16 Billion Data Center Project Withdrawn in Pacific, Missouri
Beltline Energy has withdrawn its proposed $16 billion, 500-acre data center project from Pacific, Missouri, following months of strong community opposition and a 12-month moratorium enacted by Mayor Debbie Kelley on new data center applications and rezoning requests, according to KSDK News. The mayor indicated the developer cited concerns related to the city's wastewater system in emails but did not specify a formal reason for withdrawal. As reported by FOX 2, the project is now confirmed dead.
However, as KSDK also reported, Beltline Energy still has a separate rezoning request pending with Franklin County Commissioners, meaning the broader fight continues at the county level. The city has removed all related items from future meeting agendas.
Kansas City Plan Commission Unanimously Denies Downtown Data Center Proposal
The Kansas City Plan Commission voted 6-0 to deny a proposal from Miami-based Revitalization Unlimited for a 20-story data center in the Quality Hill neighborhood, according to KCUR. The decision followed nearly two hours of public testimony and 475 letters opposing the project. Commissioners found the project to be an unproductive use of downtown space, and Mayor Quinton Lucas has publicly stated a reversal by the City Council is highly unlikely.
The developers are considering their next steps, including a potential appeal to the City Council. Grassroots organizations including Sunrise Movement KC and KC Data Center Watchdog are calling for a total ban on data centers in the city. Jackson County's six-month moratorium on new data centers is set to expire in December, and the City Council's Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee is set to review an ordinance establishing a Data Center Transparency Task Force.
Residents Block Data Center Plans South of Atlanta
Residents in Lovejoy, Clayton County, Georgia, successfully opposed a proposed data center on Panhandle Road, leading to the developer's withdrawal and a pivot to residential development, according to Atlanta News First. The Lovejoy City Council plans to update zoning regulations to prevent data centers from being built in the city, with new rules expected to be presented next month.
Clayton County maintains a moratorium on data center applications through the end of 2026. In neighboring Fulton County, commissioners approved a resolution opposing tax incentives for data center development, arguing that companies will still build in Georgia without the additional breaks.
