Willie Nelson Voices Concerns Over Texas Data Centers

Country music icon Willie Nelson has expressed his concerns about the increasing number of data centers in Texas, highlighting the threat they pose to rural land and resources. These developments, according to Nelson, could disrupt communities like his hometown of Abbott.

Data Center Map indicates that Texas hosts 510 data centers, with approximately 200 situated in the Dallas area. In an open letter shared on social media, Nelson lamented that Abbott, where he has a home, is now challenged by data centers “invading our land.” He described the facilities as “loud, water thieving, light polluting” and opposed their placement near Abbott or anywhere else.

“The strength of rural America has never come from big industrial footprints,” Nelson wrote. He stressed the importance of protecting farmland and warned, “Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses.”

Texas is experiencing a rapid expansion of data centers, many linked to artificial intelligence. A survey from the Texas Tribune highlighted that 248 data center projects are planned statewide. Furthermore, a poll from the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Politics Project revealed that 56 percent of Texans oppose having data centers in their communities.

Adrian Shelley, the Texas director of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, remarked on Nelson’s remarks, saying, “Willie Nelson is a tried-and-true Texan echoing the concerns of residents statewide.” The invitation extended to data centers by state leaders has sparked fears about the impacts on water, electricity rates, and land.

Water Concerns

Water usage remains a primary concern for many Texans. In Henderson County, residents campaigned against a proposed Diode Ventures data center over worries about water consumption. The project was anticipated to use 5 million gallons of lake water daily by its fifth year, leading to fears of increased withdrawals from Cedar Creek Lake during drought conditions.

Diode Ventures decided not to advance the project, opting to align developments with community priorities and infrastructure availability.

Such anxieties resonate throughout Texas, where water demands for data centers spark concerns about drought and aquifer sustainability.

Impact on Farmland and Rural Life

Critics argue that data centers are altering the character of communities. Concerns involve the loss of open spaces, farmlands, and forests, as well as increased rents, traffic, and industrialization in rural areas.

Noise and Light Issues

Granbury residents have voiced complaints about noise and lighting from crypto mines. In Brazoria County, nearby residents of a Giga Energy site mention consistent noise, comparing the industrial hum to a continuous “washing machine” sound.

A Giga spokesperson indicated efforts to mitigate noise issues by constructing additional sound walls.

Electricity and Infrastructure Costs

Questions have arisen about who bears the electricity infrastructure costs for data centers. Political figures emphasize the potential strain on the power grid and cost increases for residents.

Governor Greg Abbott advocates for data centers to fund their own electric infrastructure and disclose water and electricity consumption annually. Similarly, Democratic nominee James Talarico calls for measures to ensure that AI companies fund their infrastructure expenses to prevent cost burdens on consumers.

Growing Skepticism of AI

The pushback in Texas aligns with a national trend of skepticism towards AI. A Bentley University-Gallup survey indicated 70 percent of Americans now possess some level of AI knowledge, with 39 percent viewing AI as mostly harmful. Confidence in businesses using AI responsibly dropped to 27 percent, and 79 percent believe AI could decrease U.S. jobs in the coming decade.

Contact Newsweek editors Tobias Meyjes and James Debens for further insights.