Story perspectives

Abbott Halts New Data-Center Permits Pending Water Audits

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 3:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into hundreds of data centers that failed water-use surveys.
Governor Greg Abbott halted all new data-center permits until audits verify water and power impacts.
Abbott ordered the Texas Water Development Board on Sept. 14 to force major water users to report.
Over 40 companies, including Amazon, Google, OpenAI and Anthropic, pledged compliance with Texas’ standards.

1 of 1

Story summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into hundreds of data centers that failed water-use surveys.
Governor Greg Abbott halted all new data-center permits until audits verify water and power impacts.
Abbott ordered the Texas Water Development Board on Sept. 14 to force major water users to report.
Over 40 companies, including Amazon, Google, OpenAI and Anthropic, pledged compliance with Texas’ standards.