← 2026-09-2319brief

[UPDATE] Texas halts all state data-center permits pending a grid audit

A May Gallup poll found 70% of Americans oppose new data centers in their towns.

Greg Abbott (Gov-R Texas) halted all state-issued permits pending an audit of the power grid.

On Sept. 22, local pushback against AI data centers grew into a national fight dividing candidates in both parties.

  • The House passed a bill 417-3 to stop tech firms from shifting grid costs onto ratepayers.
  • Bloomberg reports U.S. data-center spending hit new highs in 2026 despite the pushback.