Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered state energy regulators to halt approvals for all new data center projects attempting to join the state's power grid until a comprehensive audit and verification process is completed.

In a directive issued to Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Chairman Thomas Gleeson and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas, Abbott warned that failure to comply with the new audit requirements or state standards will result in immediate denial of grid connection.

What they're saying: "Our top priority is to protect Texans' safety and quality of life," Abbott said.