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Abbott Orders Texas to Halt Data-Center Permits

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 2:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Abbott Halts Data-Center Permits

Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt data-center permits.
He directed ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Texas Water Development Board to audit grid and water impacts.
The audit will examine electricity use, water consumption, tax incentives, ownership and community effects.
BloombergNEF says about 20% of the U.S.’s 253-GW pipeline—roughly 50 GW—could lose up to $8 billion by Q1 2027.

Summary

Residents Oppose Compass

Red Oak residents meet bi-monthly to oppose Compass Datacenters’ proposed campus.
Dave Lowe, a lifelong conservative, says data-center issues will decide his upcoming election vote.
Gallup poll finds over 60% of Americans, across parties, oppose a data center near their homes.
County Commissioner Dave Eagle revealed Amazon sought a 90% property-tax rebate for 30 years on a proposed Hood County site.

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Abbott Halts Data-Center Permits

Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt data-center permits.
He directed ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Texas Water Development Board to audit grid and water impacts.
The audit will examine electricity use, water consumption, tax incentives, ownership and community effects.
BloombergNEF says about 20% of the U.S.’s 253-GW pipeline—roughly 50 GW—could lose up to $8 billion by Q1 2027.

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