Overview
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to audit all data centers going through grid interconnection, paused new approvals, and is demanding developers disclose ownership, power plans, and water use.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 on Tuesday removing data centers from the fast-track permitting program, requiring legally binding GRID commitments, local approvals, public reporting, and that developers cover their grid and water impacts.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul instituted a one-year moratorium in July to study the environmental and electricity-system effects of large hyperscale data centers before new construction proceeds.
- Polling reported in multiple outlets shows strong voter support for requiring data centers to disclose water use and pay for grid upgrades, and the issue is reshaping gubernatorial races as candidates and officials shift away from earlier pro-investment stances.
- Industry groups have offered conditional cooperation with audits while developers consider alternatives such as on-site generation or private infrastructure financing, and the dispute is set to move into rulemaking, legislatures, and possible legal challenges.