Abbott says Riot Platforms, Comanche Circle will meet data center standards
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Riot Platforms and Comanche Circle Data Center will comply with new statewide standards for data centers in Texas. These standards, enforced by the PUCT and ERCOT, aim to protect the electric grid, conserve water, respect neighborhoods, and ensure data centers cover their own costs. Abbott stated that data centers across the state are either complying or ending their projects.
Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Riot Platforms and Comanche Circle Data Center are fully complying with new statewide standards for data center development in Texas. The announcement, made from Austin, follows Abbott's earlier directive to establish clear guardrails for the burgeoning industry.
The Governor emphasized that his established guidelines are successfully protecting the state's electric grid, conserving water resources, respecting local communities, and ensuring data centers are financially self-sufficient without burdening Texas families. He noted that one data center that could not meet the new criteria chose to cease operations before beginning construction.
Abbott directed the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to meticulously examine each data center project. This includes assessing their impact on grid stability, emergency response, water consumption, land use, and overall community benefits. Projects failing to comply with ERCOT's audit process face denial of approval.
Since the implementation of these directives, other major companies like Prologis, Ecolab, and Crusoe have also committed to adhering to the statewide standards, reflecting a broad industry shift towards compliance or project reconsideration across Texas.