Private Equity Firms' Emissions Exceed Most Nations; Texas Targets Data Centers on Water Use

A new report reveals that the energy portfolios of the world's top 20 private equity firms generate 1.5 billion tons of greenhouse gases annually, surpassing the emissions of all but the four largest countries. Despite managing $7.3 trillion in assets and having the capacity to drive a transition away from fossil fuels, these firms continue to invest in natural gas and coal-fired power plants, often to supply electricity to data centers.

In parallel, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to penalize data centers that fail to comply with water usage disclosure laws. Abbott emphasized that data centers must contribute to protecting the state's water resources, particularly in drought-prone areas. This directive signals a growing scrutiny of the significant water demands of the technology sector and its environmental footprint.