Governor Abbott directs TCEQ to pause data center permits
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to halt all data center permits across Texas. This pause will remain in effect until ERCOT completes an audit assessing the impacts of data centers on the state's power grid. Abbott emphasized that data centers must protect the grid and water, and pay their own way.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive to immediately pause all data center permits across the state. Governor Abbott instructed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to halt processing any permits sought by data centers until the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) completes a comprehensive audit.
The Governor's office stated that no state agency should proceed with regulatory approvals for data center development until ERCOT's audit information is available. Abbott emphasized that Texans must be prioritized, and data centers are expected to cover their own costs, safeguard the power grid and water resources, and comply with audits from ERCOT and the Texas Water Development Board. TCEQ is required to report on its compliance to the Governor's office by October 19th.
Looking ahead to the next legislative session, Governor Abbott announced his intention to collaborate with lawmakers to eliminate financial incentives currently offered to data centers.