Meta's Temple data center goes live amid community concerns over water use and expansion
Meta's $1.2 billion AI data center in Temple, Texas, has gone live, employing approximately 100 full-time staff. Despite Meta highlighting economic benefits and water-efficient design, some Bell County residents are actively petitioning to limit future data center expansion due to concerns over water usage and infrastructure.
Meta's new $1.2 billion artificial intelligence data center in Temple, Texas, is now operational, contributing to the company's AI operations. The facility, which supported over 1,200 construction jobs, now employs approximately 100 people full-time.
However, the data center's activation comes amidst ongoing concerns from some Bell County residents. These residents are pushing petitions, primarily through Facebook, to impose limits on future data center expansion in the area, citing worries about water use, local infrastructure strain, and the rapid pace of development.
Bradley Davis, Meta's director of global economic development, addressed water concerns, stating the facility uses a water-efficient design and plans to restore 5.2 million gallons of water annually. He added that Meta would disclose its water withdrawal numbers in an upcoming sustainability report. Davis also highlighted Meta's community contributions, including $1.7 million in grants, with $400,000 earmarked for AI and STEM learning labs for K-12 students. Despite these assurances, residents continue their petition efforts, hoping to gather enough signatures to place a proposed charter amendment regarding data center oversight on the ballot.