Austin County residents protest CleanSpark data center in Sealy
Austin County residents in Sealy, Texas, protested a proposed CleanSpark data center, raising concerns about noise, water usage, environmental impact, and strain on the electric grid. CleanSpark representatives met with the community, detailing plans for a 285 MW facility with closed-loop cooling. Despite the company's assurances, many residents remain opposed.
Residents of Austin County, Texas, gathered in Sealy to protest a proposed 285-megawatt data center by CleanSpark. Dozens of locals caravanned in tractors and trucks to a community meeting with CleanSpark representatives, expressing strong opposition to the project. Residents voiced concerns about the data center's impact on their rural community, specifically citing noise, water usage, and potential disturbances to migratory birds due to light and noise pollution.
The protest occurred shortly after Governor Greg Abbott announced that CleanSpark, along with Google and Rowan, agreed to comply with new state standards for power-hungry data centers aimed at ensuring electric grid reliability. CleanSpark stated that their facility would be built on only 10 acres of a 270-acre property, utilize a closed-loop cooling system requiring minimal water, and contribute millions in tax revenue. They also clarified that a nearby battery energy storage system, which some residents confused with their project, was a separate development on a different parcel of land.
Despite CleanSpark's explanations, many residents remained concerned. The company anticipates an audit process within months, with construction expected to take 16 to 18 months once power is available and ground is broken. KPRC 2's Corti Peel reported from Austin County on the ongoing community pushback.