Gov. Greg Abbott halts data center permits amid outcry

Gov. Greg Abbott halts data center permits amid outcry

News Clippro.stateaffairs.com·TX·9/22/2026

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted the issuance of new data center permits across the state. This decision comes pending an audit by ERCOT and is aimed at safeguarding Texas's power and water resources.

moratoriumelectricitywatergovernment
Gov: Gov. Greg Abbott, ERCOT

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a halt on new data center permits, citing the need to protect the state's power and water infrastructure. The decision is contingent on the completion of an audit by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

This move by Governor Abbott signals a shift towards prioritizing the state's critical resources amid the rapid expansion of the data center industry.