Daily Digest — August 12, 2026
Texas Governor Pauses Data Center Projects; Trump Calls It a 'Mistake'
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a statewide hold on all new data center projects pending a vetting process, according to News Radio 1200 WOAI. Former President Trump publicly criticized the decision in an interview with Punchbowl News, stating Texas made an error and emphasizing the economic benefits data centers bring to communities. Chris Johnson of the American Energy Leadership Institute echoed those sentiments, arguing data centers have become an undeserved political target and pointing to a net decrease in electricity rates over the past decade as data centers have been built.
As reported by Todayville, the moratorium is temporary pending a comprehensive audit of energy consumption. Major tech companies including Amazon, Meta, and Google have committed to contributing to the energy grid in line with the governor's request that data center companies "pay their own way."
Amazon's Texas Gas Plant Projected as Top US Emissions Source
Amazon's planned gas-fired power plant to supply a Texas data center is projected to become the single largest source of power-related emissions in the United States, according to Semafor, citing a New York Times report. Amazon's sustainability chief has acknowledged the company anticipates a multi-year increase in its carbon footprint.
The report notes that the energy boom's consequences have divided policymakers across party lines. Congressional Democrats are debating whether to pursue a federal moratorium on data center expansion or to cut associated tax credits. A related Politico report examines Amazon's reliance on natural gas for its Texas operations.
Fort Worth City Council Unanimously Advances Data Center Moratorium
The Fort Worth City Council voted unanimously to begin the process of implementing a 90-day moratorium on new data center construction, according to the Fort Worth Report. The moratorium is expected to take effect by February 16 after public hearings and additional votes. Key actions from the meeting include:
- Initiation of the legal process for a 90-day moratorium (with possible 90-day extension)
- New application rules requiring developers to show proof of grid connection approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT
- Establishment of an 11-member Data Center & Infrastructure Committee, led by Dr. Mike Slattery of Texas Christian University, to report by November
As reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, four data centers currently operate in Fort Worth, with one under construction and six more proposed. The actions follow months of advocacy from local groups including the 2871 Community Coalition and a July setback when the Zoning Commission rejected earlier proposed zoning regulations.
Separately, CBS News reported that the already-approved Black Mountain Energy project remains unaffected by the proposed moratorium. Resident Sue Weston, owner of the historic Weston Gardens, continues to oppose that project, citing concerns about wildlife, structural damage from vibrations, and water resources. The Black Mountain Energy site plans are scheduled for discussion at a council meeting on August 25.
State Representative Vikki Goodwin of Austin noted that Fort Worth's actions would signal to state lawmakers the need for broader regulation and transparency regarding data centers' energy and water use, according to the Fort Worth Report. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth and FOX 4 also covered the developments.
Data center moratorium takes first steps after Fort Worth City Council’s unanimous vote
Fort Worth Report
Fort Worth makes major moves towards data center moratorium, regulations
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth weighs moratorium and new rules as data center projects spark neighborhood concerns
cbsnews.com
Fort Worth lays out plan to regulate data centers
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Fort Worth pushes for data center regulations
FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth
Fort Worth pushes for data center regulations
FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth
Country Artists Join Rural Texas Opposition to Data Centers
Country musician Charley Crockett publicly clarified his opposition to AI data centers after a San Antonio Current article mischaracterized his views, according to K102. Crockett expressed solidarity with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker, who have actively opposed data center developments in rural Texas. He stated he has been vocal about his opposition long before the topic gained widespread attention.
Chicago Mayor Signs Executive Order, Calls for Data Center Moratorium
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Tuesday directing city departments to tighten oversight of data center developments, according to the Chicago Tribune. The order mandates:
- More stringent air pollution assessments
- New noise regulations
- Expanded authority for city officials to review water and electricity consumption
- Creation of a Data Center Task Force co-chaired by the Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief of Policy
The mayor simultaneously urged the City Council to enact a temporary moratorium on new data center construction and expansions, as reported by CBS News. Chicago currently hosts approximately 39 data centers, many built under guidelines that did not account for their current scale.
However, Zoning Committee Chair Gilbert Villegas criticized the executive order as a "political stunt," according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Villegas argued the City Council already has a working group that has released preliminary recommendations, and suggested the mayor should pursue an ordinance through the regular legislative process instead.
Block Club Chicago reported that data centers are currently classified as offices under Chicago's zoning ordinance, allowing many to be permitted "by-right" without comprehensive zoning reviews. ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones noted that approximately 100 proposed data center projects in Northern Illinois are requesting a combined 33 gigawatts of power, according to the Sun-Times. Bloomberg also covered the mayor's moratorium demand.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs data center order and pushes City Council for moratorium
Chicago Tribune
Mayor Johnson wants City Council to pause data center expansion
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Mayor Demands Data Center Moratorium After Backlash
Bloomberg.com
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs executive order for stricter data center regulations, calls for a temporary moratorium
CBS News
Mayor Orders New Regulations, Reviews For Chicago Data Centers
Block Club Chicago
Jackson, Mississippi Council Explores Data Center Sites Amid Active Moratorium
The Jackson City Council voted 5-2 to adopt a nonbinding resolution identifying potential data center sites within the city, less than a month after enacting a 183-day moratorium on new proposals, according to the Clarion-Ledger. The resolution, sponsored by Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes, suggests locations near Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and Hawkins Field.
Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell, who authored the original moratorium, voted against the resolution. As reported by WAPT, Grizzell objected to proposed sites near Hawkins Field due to the proximity of approximately 500 residential rooftops and expressed skepticism about promised financial benefits.
The city attorney's office is reviewing data center regulations from other cities to inform a new ordinance expected for consideration after the moratorium expires, per WAPT. WJTV and 16 WAPT also covered the council debate.
Jackson signals intent to explore data center sites weeks after moratorium
The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson City Council debates data center placement amid moratorium
WAPT
Jackson looking at possible locations for data center
WJTV 12 News
Data center debate heats up during Jackson City Council meeting
16 WAPT News Jackson
Entergy-Amazon Rate Impact Debated in Mississippi
Entergy Mississippi residential customers have paid approximately $38 million for infrastructure associated with Amazon's data center facilities, resulting in an average bill increase of $10.60 per month, according to a Synapse Energy Economics report cited by the Mississippi Free Press. The report was commissioned by Earthjustice and Environmental Advocates Mississippi.
Entergy Mississippi disputes these findings, claiming data centers benefit customers by paying a larger share of energy costs. The debate is complicated by Senate Bill 2001, a 2024 state law classifying the Entergy-Amazon contract as a "trade secret," preventing the Mississippi Public Service Commission from modifying negotiated rates and allowing grid construction for data centers to bypass standard permits. Entergy projects over $2 billion in savings for Mississippi customers over two decades, though critics say the confidential contract terms make verification impossible.
DeKalb County, Georgia Faces $30 Million Lawsuit Over Data Center Moratorium
Shadowbox Studios has filed a $30 million lawsuit against DeKalb County, Georgia, alleging county officials provided written assurances for three years that data centers would be permitted on their property, only for commissioners to later impose and extend a moratorium, according to WSB-TV. The company says it invested millions in infrastructure, including constructing a new bridge, based on planning department "interpretations."
Another unnamed company also claims it was promised the right to build in District 3, per a separate WSB-TV report. Local residents attended a Board of Commissioners meeting wearing "No Data Campus" shirts, demanding a comprehensive independent health and environmental study before any projects proceed. Commissioner Nicole Messiah expressed surprise at the lawsuit, noting these deals were made without public input. A county zoning meeting is scheduled, and a zoning board of appeals hearing on the matter is set for September 9.
