Texas Governor Abbott Suspends AI Data Center Permits, Halts $68B Projects Ahead of Election

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suspended environmental permits for data centers and halted projects worth $68 billion, citing rural voter concerns over water and electricity costs. This reverses his previous pro-AI stance and tax incentives, a political pivot ahead of the re-election against Democrat Gina Hinojosa. The move signals a potential shift in state-level tech policy, but its market impact is indirect and uncertain.