ArkLaTex United of Texarkana holds rally protesting AI data centers
ArkLaTex United of Texarkana held a rally protesting "Project Big Pine," a proposed $3.5 billion AI data center in the Greater Texarkana region. Opponents cite concerns over water usage, increased electricity bills, noise, light pollution, and loss of agricultural land. The group has also attended local city and TexAmericas meetings to voice their opposition.
ArkLaTex United, a local group, organized a rally in downtown Texarkana, Texas, on Saturday to protest the proposed development of AI data centers in the Greater Texarkana region. The primary focus of their opposition is "Project Big Pine," an estimated $3.5 billion investment planned for a 500-acre site at the TexAmericas industrial park in New Boston, Texas, which is projected to create 120 permanent jobs.
Opponents, who advocate to "Keep AI out of Texarkana," express significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts on the community. These include the loss of clean drinking water, anticipated increases in electricity bills, and environmental issues such as noise and light pollution. They also highlight the loss of viable land previously used for agriculture.
Members of ArkLaTex United have actively participated in city meetings and public meetings held by TexAmericas, voicing their disapproval of the data center proposition. A spokesperson for ArkLaTex United declined to provide further comments during the rally.