economy
Abbott’s data center moratorium stirs mixed reactions in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) on Monday placed a moratorium on new data center development in Texas, sparking a variety of reactions in the Lone Star state.
TL;DR
- Governor Greg Abbott has halted new data center development approvals in Texas.
- The moratorium is in place until state regulators audit data centers connecting to the power grid.
- Abbott cited concerns about unprecedented load growth from data centers potentially endangering grid reliability.
- ERCOT is considering requests for 474 gigawatts, with 90% from data centers, far exceeding peak demand.
- The audit will scrutinize data center power and water usage, as well as reliance on state financial assistance.
- The Data Center Coalition expressed tentative optimism, hoping the audit will distinguish responsible developers.
- Public Citizen criticized the moratorium as a vague 'faux pause,' noting that many data centers bypass the grid using their own power sources.
- Some politicians are calling for a special legislative session to address data center development and its impact on state resources.