Governor Abbott announces Meta will follow Texas data center standards
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Meta will comply with new statewide data center standards in Texas. These standards ensure data centers protect the electric grid, conserve water, respect neighborhoods, and do not burden Texas families with costs. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will audit projects for compliance.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on August 10, 2026, that Meta has committed to complying with the statewide data center standards he established earlier in the summer. These guidelines are designed to ensure data center development protects the state's electric grid, conserves water resources, respects local neighborhoods, and operates without imposing undue costs on Texas families.
Governor Abbott emphasized that data centers must not negatively impact the quality of life for Texans. He previously directed the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to enforce these standards. Key requirements include ensuring data centers protect the grid, conserve water, respect communities, pay their own way, and avoid passing costs to residents.
The PUCT and ERCOT are tasked with examining and auditing each data center project to confirm compliance with these directives before any development can proceed. Governor Abbott stressed that these agencies cannot make informed decisions about grid stability and reliability without complete information. Any data center company that fails to comply with ERCOT's audit process risks having its project approval denied.
According to the Governor's office, since these directives were issued, several data center companies across the state have announced their full compliance with the new guardrails aimed at protecting Texas communities.