# Texas pauses new data-center permits pending infrastructure audits

_Published Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 1:19 PM EDT · Infrastructure, Policy · Latest · Tier 1 — Major_

![Texas pauses new data-center permits pending infrastructure audits — Primary](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2026/07/13/0588b603-c042-4c86-8b4a-2c91842c5231/thumbnail/1200x630/52812a07c2eea089ed445b9679f74ad4/gettyimages-2236733555.jpg)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused new permits for data-center construction until projects undergo audits of water and electricity use, financing, and plans to reduce noise and light pollution, CBS News Texas reported.

Abbott said the guardrails require projects not to use water or grid electricity needed by communities, to lower residents' electricity costs, and not to be built in rural neighborhoods. ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission are conducting the audits. Separately, Senate candidate Ken Paxton proposed backing state guardrails and additional restrictions.

## Sources

- [cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/data-centers-emerge-as-key-issue-in-texas-politics-where-candidates-for-governor-u-s-senate-stand/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/zRWIGLMyPJletx5FYk8LHN
Published: 2026-08-25T17:19:09.278Z
Story chronology: 2026-08-25T00:44:27.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-10T02:45:07.434Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)