Country music icon Willie Nelson is voicing concern over data center development in Texas, highlighting the impact on rural land and resources critical to communities like Abbott, where he resides. According to the Data Center Map tracker, Texas hosts 510 data centers, with around 200 in the Dallas area alone.
In a public statement shared on social media, Nelson expressed his ties to Abbott, noting his desire to preserve the farming land there. He described data centers as “loud, water thieving, light polluting” establishments that pose threats to rural communities and urged a stand against them.
“The strength of rural America has never come from big industrial footprints,” Nelson wrote. “All of America deserves thoughtful stewardship that doesn’t steal farmland” or undermine small family farmers, he added, terminating with a crucial warning: “Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses.”
Nelson’s remarks come amid a rapidly expanding landscape of data centers in Texas, with many linkages to artificial intelligence. The Texas Tribune noted at least 248 planned data center projects throughout the state. Furthermore, a University of Texas at Austin and Texas Politics Project poll reflected that 56 percent of Texans disapprove of developing data centers in their communities.
Adrian Shelley of Public Citizen acknowledged Nelson’s contribution to an existing debate about data center growth affecting rural water, land, noise, and life quality. “Willie Nelson is a tried-and-true Texan who is echoing the same concerns as his fellow Texans,” Shelley stated, highlighting the potential threats to resources like water and electricity.
Water Concerns
Water usage remains a prevalent concern among residents. For instance, in Henderson County, objections arose against a proposed Diode Ventures data center due to worries over water consumption. Reports estimated the center’s use at 5 million gallons daily by its fifth year, concerning those reliant on Cedar Creek Lake.
Following community and official consultations, Diode Ventures opted to halt the project. The company emphasized its commitment to responsible development, ensuring careful site assessments.
Broader fears about water demand echo across Texas. West Texas cattle rancher Giles Dalby voiced that data centers could precede ranchers during water shortages. Additionally, Texas Scorecard noted concerns about data centers exacerbating drought and aquifer issues.
Impact on Farmland and Rural Areas
Nelson and others express concerns over data centers changing rural spaces. There’s fear of losing open land to industrialization and witnessing rising rents and congested roads.
Noise and Light Issues
Noise is yet another common complaint. Residents near a Granbury crypto mine reported noise and light disruptions, expressing their struggles at Texas Senate committee meetings.
In Brazoria County, residents endured constant noise from a Giga Energy site, likening it to a never-ending “washing machine.” Giga Energy noted efforts to address the concerns by commissioning a sound study and planning sound walls.
Electricity and Infrastructure Concerns
Texans question the financial burden of electricity infrastructure necessitated by data centers. Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic nominee James Talarico have addressed concerns of potential grid strain and rising costs. Abbott suggested that data centers fund their infrastructure and provide annual usage reports.
Talarico emphasized the importance of holding data centers accountable for resource management, criticizing tax incentives and advocating for community input.
National AI Skepticism
The backlash in Texas merges with growing national suspicion toward AI. A July survey by Bentley University-Gallup discovered that 70 percent of Americans claim knowledge of AI, and concerns over AI’s potential harm have increased. Trust in businesses to ethically use AI has declined, with many fearing AI could reduce U.S. job availability.
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