Governor Abbott’s Environmental Permitting Freeze Expands Pause on Texas Data Center Development to All Texas Data Centers Pending Statewide Audit
On September 21, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order halting all permits sought by data centers from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) until the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) can complete the comprehensive audit initiated by the governor in early August.[1]
FERC Launches Region-Specific Reform Initiative for Large-Load Interconnection and Co-Location
On June 18, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission) issued six show cause orders directing each Regional Transmission Organization and Independent System Operator (RTO/ISO) under its jurisdiction to justify or revise its tariff provisions governing large-load interconnection and co-location arrangements. The orders represent the Commission’s most comprehensive effort to date to establish a regulatory framework for connecting data centers and other large loads while protecting grid reliability and existing customers from cost shifts.
FERC’s First Meeting Under New Leadership: Key Takeaways and Signals for 2026
On November 20, 2025, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission) held its first monthly open meeting since the confirmation and swearing-in of Chairman Laura Swett and Commissioner David LaCerte.[1] It marks the first time FERC has had a full five-member commission since the departures of Commissioner Mark Christie and Chairman Willie Phillips earlier this year. FERC’s first meeting under new leadership coincided with an agenda that underscored urgency and a new strategic direction. The summary below outlines the Commission’s discussion and key actions.
