Texas governor directs penalties for datacenters not complying with water laws
The Guardian · September 14, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed state regulators to enforce penalties on datacenters that do not disclose their water usage as required by state regulations. He emphasized the importance of compliance with the Texas Water Code and stated that the Texas Water Development Board should utilize its authority to penalize any reporting failures.
Why it matters
This action highlights the state's efforts to manage water resources amid ongoing drought conditions.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you live in Texas?
This directive affects residents by ensuring that datacenters comply with water usage regulations, which is crucial for managing the state's limited water resources during drought conditions. Increased compliance could lead to better water conservation efforts, potentially benefiting local communities and ecosystems.
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