Texas Gov. Abbott orders data center permit halt weeks after issuing moratorium
People protest against data center development outside the Austin Marriott Downtown on Wednesday, Sept.
People protest against data center development outside the Austin Marriott Downtown on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.
Jay Janner | Austin American-Statesman | Getty ImagesTexas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered the state's environmental regulator to halt all data center-related permits until the Electric Reliability Council of Texas completes an audit of the existing waitlist for data centers looking to connect to the state's grid.
First reported by CNBC.
More in Business
- IMF Chief Warns of Economic Divergence and Debt Risks Amid Artificial Intelligence Boom
Kristalina Georgieva suggests that while AI could significantly boost global growth, it simultaneously threatens to widen inequality and exacerbate inflationary pressures and public debt burdens.
- California Limits Utility Profits and Expands Home Energy Role
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws capping utility returns on lower-risk projects and accelerating virtual power plant development.
- Lyft to Pay $272.5 Million in Record California Wage-Theft Settlement
Largest such settlement in state history resolves claims that Lyft misclassified drivers as independent contractors from 2016 to 2020, denying them core wage protections.