Massive 'Trump campus' data center faces huge opposition: 'Take our health into account'

Project Matador, a hyperscale AI data center and power plant campus located 12 miles northeast of Amarillo, Texas, is generating significant controversy. The project, rebranded as the Donald J. Trump Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus, is led by Fermi America and backed by co-founder Toby Neugebauer of Quantum Energy Partners, with substantial ties to the oil and gas sector. Covering nearly 6,000 acres, it is slated to be the world's largest data center and includes a multi-step energy plan incorporating natural gas and solar, with potential for nuclear reactors. Community members in the Texas Panhandle and across the state have vehemently opposed the undertaking since its inception, citing grave concerns about its impact on air and water quality. Kathryn Guerra, director of Public Citizen's TCEQ watchdog campaign, highlighted that Fermi America is seeking authorization to emit 23.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Amarillo resident Kendra Seawright expressed frustration, stating that despite following all rules to be heard, the TCEQ's decision shows a disregard for community health in favor of industry. Despite the widespread opposition and environmental warnings from groups like the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, which noted the project's gas capacity (over 5,100 megawatts) would make it the largest gas plant in the U.S., the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved Fermi America's plan to install 93 gas-powered turbines on the site in February. This decision has intensified the ongoing battle against data center developments as communities nationwide grapple with the rapid expansion of AI technology's infrastructure.