Abbott tightens data-center rules as Texas growth tests the power grid

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott defended new guardrails and a moratorium on data-center construction to curb grid strain and water use after rapid growth that outpaced state coordination with local authorities; he previously touted Texas as an AI hub with Google’s $40 billion investment and incentives. The state hosts about 335 data centers with hundreds more planned, and the rules require water-use disclosure, prohibit drawing power directly from the grid, and aim to keep electricity affordable for consumers. Critics point to swift approvals for some centers, while Abbott says state input will be required to connect to the grid, a point highlighted as elections approach.