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Texas moratorium drives 500 AI data-center bans

8/13/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Governors Ban AI

Bans on AI data centers in the U.S. rose to 500 in July, up from 300 in June.
After a developer sued, Hill County rescinded its ban a week later, following Texas Governor Greg Abbott's statewide moratorium.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul paused approvals for 50 MW AI data centers.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced the No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act to block the $100 billion Paducah AI campus.

Summary

Falcone Proposes Ban

Councilmember Philip Falcone proposed a moratorium that could become a permanent ban on the data-center project.
iVETS board chair Alan Stanly said the iVETS-StemWorx data center will start small and will not need a $50 million facility.
Resident James Rodriguez urged a voter referendum to lock in any ban after repeatedly filling council chambers.
Perris, along with Indio and Desert Hot Springs, will hear a total ban on Sept. 16.

History

Historical Context

October 1973 OAPEC’s oil embargo drove U.S. gasoline prices up 43%, prompting President Nixon to create the Federal Energy Office and impose domestic oil price controls. The shock birthed enduring energy-conservation measures, a precedent echoed today as Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas data-center moratorium and Governor Kathy Hochul’s New York pause restrict AI-intensive power use.

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Governors Ban AI

Bans on AI data centers in the U.S. rose to 500 in July, up from 300 in June.
After a developer sued, Hill County rescinded its ban a week later, following Texas Governor Greg Abbott's statewide moratorium.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul paused approvals for 50 MW AI data centers.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced the No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act to block the $100 billion Paducah AI campus.

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