Data center boom hits a wall in Athens after resident opposition

Dozens of Athens, Texas, residents packed a recent City Council meeting, expressing strong opposition to a proposed 10-megawatt data center and battery energy storage facilities planned for their community. Residents, including Isa Green, voiced concerns about potential environmental impacts, health risks to people and animals, and the destruction of agricultural land. Green, new to East Texas but familiar with similar projects in Middle Tennessee, highlighted adverse effects observed elsewhere. Another resident emphatically stated being "totally opposed to the data center aspect of it 100%" and believes it shouldn't be near any metropolitan area. In response to the public outcry, the Athens City Council reviewed proposed ordinances and held two public hearings concerning the data centers and battery energy storage facilities, ultimately tabling each item on the agenda.