Texas Kept Reviewing Data Center Permits Despite Governor’s Moratorium, Analysis Says
A review of public records by the watchdog group FracTracker found that Texas regulators continued processing data center permits after Gov. Greg Abbott announced a pause. The finding comes amid growing public opposition to the state’s rapid buildout of digital infrastructure.
A records review by the watchdog organization FracTracker indicates that Texas regulators continued to work through data-center permit applications after Gov. Greg Abbott announced a halt. The analysis focuses on whether the announced stop was matched by administrative practice.
The report arrives as opposition from the public to the state’s swift expansion of digital infrastructure has grown. The provided material does not identify the specific permits, offices, or period examined.
The finding could affect communities near planned data centers, regulators’ credibility, and firms seeking approvals, as uncertainty may alter timelines and public trust. Residents may cite the analysis when asking for clearer enforcement, while officials could face questions about how an announced halt is applied. The wider debate may shape how digital-infrastructure growth is weighed against local concerns.