GRAYSON COUNTY, Texas (KXII) - Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously welcomed data center expansions, has paused approvals until detailed audits are complete.

Grayson County Judge Bruce Dawsey said the shift marks a change in how the state evaluates the industry."Instead of just giving a blank check to the data centers, it's going to require studies when it comes to power and what resources they're going to require," Dawsey said.

Audits and new requirementsState Rep. Shelley Luther said Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to establish new guidelines for data center operators."These places are paying their own way. They're not getting abatements. They're supplying their own power. They're using their own water and reusing the water," Luther said.