Texas Governor Abbott pauses data centers and probes airport facilities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has initiated two separate controversial actions involving infrastructure and religious accommodations.

First, Abbott has placed a moratorium on new artificial intelligence data center projects in Texas. He cited a lack of collaboration with local governments and growing public concern regarding the impact of these facilities on water supplies, electricity grids, and local communities. Under the new guidelines, developers must demonstrate that they will not deplete resources needed by residents, will not strain the power grid, and will contribute to lowering electricity costs for consumers.

Second, Abbott has referred Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport to the U.S. Department of Justice for investigation. He alleges that the presence of ritual washing (wudu) stations and prayer facilities constitutes religious discrimination at government-owned, federally funded airports. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has denounced the move as an “anti-Muslim political stunt,” arguing that these facilities are accessible accommodations rather than discriminatory spaces. Following Abbott’s initial referral to the U.S. Transportation Secretary, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport announced it had abandoned plans to install additional ablution facilities.