Meta commits to Texas data center standards: Abbott

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Meta will comply with his standards and guidelines for data centers. Meta has a data center planned for Northeast El Paso.

"Meta commends Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s leadership and welcomes his continued efforts to protect ratepayers, conserve water, and promote responsible data center development in Texas," Meta said in a press release.

Gov. Abbott directed the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to make sure data centers costs don't fall on Texas residents.

The governor's guidelines ask PUCT and ERCOT to make sure data centers pay for their own electricity, reuse their own water, reduce electricity costs, don't disrupt neighborhoods and pay their own way and eliminate reliance on taxpayer-funded incentives. Data centers also have to disclose project ownership and controlling interests.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are tasked with reviewing and auditing all submitted information before any project can proceed. Companies that fail to comply with ERCOT's audit process face denial of their project approvals.

Meta said it will pay energy and water costs and publish detailed information on its annual sustainability report about its energy and water use.

Additionally, Meta introduced its "Future is for Everyone Fund," which will invest in teachers, first responders and energy and water infrastructure through customized programs shaped by needs in Texas and the country.

Since Gov. Abbott issued his directives, developer Diode said it failed to meet the standards and discontinued its proposed data center near Dallas. Amazon, Google, OpenAI and QTS Data Centers said they're working to comply with the directives, according to the governor.

"We support Governor Abbott’s efforts to conduct a comprehensive review of data center growth in Texas and look forward to being a collaborative partner with state and industry officials, utilities, and local communities. For Meta, we don't just build here, we invest here. And thousands of Meta employees are proud to call Texas home," Meta said.

Democratic Texas Representative Gina Hinojosa criticizes Gov. Abbott's data center plan, saying Texas needs a moratorium on data centers.

"We need a moratorium on data centers until the legislature can meet to put in place real protections so Texans can have a seat at the table to decide if and how data centers come into their communities. When the companies being regulated are cheering for the rules, you know the rules were written for them, not for Texans," Rep. Hinojosa said.

Rep. Hinojosa is running for Governor of Texas in the 2026 general election against incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

ABC-7 will reach out to Meta, El Paso Electric, El Paso Water and the city's attorney to ask how Meta's compliance with the state affects El Paso.