Abilene residents raise concerns about data center construction
Abilene residents are expressing significant concerns over the expansion of a data center, Stargate, citing issues with construction noise, light pollution, and potential air pollutants from an associated power plant. A resident feels betrayed by the City of Abilene's rezoning decision, which allowed the data center to be built near residential areas. Crusoe Energy, operating the facility, stated they are committed to collaboration and transparency, using emissions control technology.
Residents in Abilene, Texas, particularly Professor Towell, are raising serious concerns regarding the expansion of a data center named Stargate near their homes. Towell, who moved to the area for its quiet, now finds the data center 200 feet from his property line. He reports constant construction noise and hundreds of lights flooding the area, necessitating blackout shades on windows.
The primary concern, however, is the potential health hazard posed by air pollutants from a power plant built next to his house to serve the data center. Towell, whose elderly parents live nearby, is rethinking plans for his children to build homes there due to these environmental worries. He also notes an increase in wildlife, like coyotes, being pushed into smaller areas.
While Towell acknowledges Stargate (operated by Crusoe Energy) has been polite and transparent with tours, he feels "betrayed" by the City of Abilene. His land and surrounding areas were zoned for homes, but the adjacent land was rezoned, which he believes goes against the purpose of zoning to protect residents. He desires more information from the city about pollutants from the site. The City of Abilene stated that emissions and pollutant regulations for data center sites are overseen by the TCEQ. A spokesperson for Crusoe Energy emphasized their commitment to transparency and community feedback, stating their turbines use emissions control technology to convert pollutants into harmless nitrogen and water vapor, and they look forward to continued partnership with Abilene and Taylor County.