Texas News Roundup: Data Center Audit, DFW Foot-Washing Station Plan and More

Published Aug 15, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Texas news: Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on new data center approvals as ERCOT audits grid requests totaling 474 gigawatts, DFW Airport scrapped a plan to add Islamic foot-washing stations after Abbott called it “illegal,” and the Texas Education Agency released 2026 A-F school ratings. Power bills are surging as the grid strains, Abbott proposed tougher teacher penalties and classroom screen limits, more than 170 public schools have closed since 2023, and Texas is cutting its child care subsidy program by nearly 10%.

Abbott orders pause on data center approvals; ERCOT audit could take months

Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this month ordered the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to pause approvals for new data centers until a thorough review of current projects is complete. At the regulators’ first meeting since the directive (Friday, Aug. 14), ERCOT said the audit could take several months. ERCOT plans to send requests for information to about 250 to 300 large energy consumers eligible for its new “Batch Zero” grid-connection process. Large energy consumers are requesting 474 gigawatts from the Texas grid — more than five times the power used during the state’s record peak demand — and about 90% of the requests come from data centers. The audit will evaluate energy and water usage, government assistance and tax incentives, ownership, and impact on nearby communities. Data centers already approved to connect, facilities using their own power generation, and areas outside the ERCOT grid are not included in the pause. (Houston Public Media, Aug. 15, 2026; KCBD, Aug. 15, 2026)

DFW Airport scraps Islamic foot-washing station plan after Abbott calls it ‘illegal’

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport scrapped a proposal to add Islamic foot-washing (ablution) stations to two Terminal D restrooms after Gov. Greg Abbott called the plan “illegal” and ordered a review of every state grant flowing to the airport. Abbott also threatened grant funding for Dallas and Houston airports over the facilities. (Daily Wire, Aug. 15, 2026; NY Post, Aug. 15, 2026; FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth; The Texas Tribune, Aug. 14, 2026)

TEA releases 2026 A-F accountability ratings

The Texas Education Agency released 2026 A-F accountability ratings Friday, Aug. 14 on TXschools.gov for public school systems and campuses across the state. The Texas Tribune reported that schools persistently failing Texas standards risk being placed under state control. (TEA news release, Aug. 14, 2026; The Texas Tribune, Aug. 2026)

Texas power bills surge as infrastructure costs and data center growth strain the grid

Texas power bills are surging as infrastructure costs and data center growth strain the electric grid, according to a report from East Texas station KLTV. (kltv.com, Aug. 14, 2026)

Abbott proposes tougher teacher penalties and classroom screen limits

Gov. Greg Abbott proposed tougher penalties for teacher misconduct and separately proposed limiting laptops and tablets in K-12 classrooms as part of his push to make Texas public schools the best in the U.S. (The Texas Tribune, Aug. 11, 2026; kristv.com, Aug. 11, 2026)

More than 170 Texas public schools closed since 2023

Texas has now seen more than 170 public schools close since 2023, according to the Houston Chronicle. (Houston Chronicle, Aug. 15, 2026)

Texas to cut child care subsidy program by nearly 10%

Texas is cutting its child care subsidy program by nearly 10%, The Texas Tribune reported. (The Texas Tribune, August 2026)

For more on the Lone Star State, see the Texas guide.