Country music stars sound off on data centers

News Clip4:35Fox News Clips·TX·9/6/2026

Country music star Tanya Tucker and other Texans are actively opposing the construction of high-voltage power lines across their ranches in Texas, which are intended to power data centers. They cite concerns over eminent domain, environmental destruction, and a lack of proper notification from developers. Administrative law judges have recommended a pause on these power lines, a stance supported by the Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General of Texas.

oppositionelectricityenvironmentalgovernment
Gov: President of the United States, Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Attorney General of Texas, administrative law judges

The segment from Fox News discusses the escalating debate surrounding AI data centers and their associated infrastructure, particularly focusing on the extensive construction of power lines across Texas. Country music legend Tanya Tucker vocally opposed these developments, revealing that her ranch is among "thousands of other people and ranch owners" facing threats of eminent domain for these projects. She expressed deep concern over the lack of notification and the severe environmental damage that these 765-gigavolt, 200-foot-high transmission lines, requiring a 200-foot easement, would inflict upon local wildlife and water resources.

While acknowledging the national security imperative for AI development and data center infrastructure, Tucker criticized the perceived exploitation of property owners. She emphasized that although she typically avoids political discourse, this issue has become profoundly personal due to its direct impact on her property. The report also highlighted significant support for the opposition, noting that six administrative law judges have recommended a pause on the construction of these power lines. This recommendation has garnered backing from both the Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General of Texas, signaling a bipartisan effort to address the concerns of affected landowners.