Lufkin residents blocked from speaking about AI data centers at city council meeting
Residents in Lufkin, Texas, were denied the opportunity to speak about proposed AI data centers at a city council meeting due to the topic not being on the agenda. Opponents expressed concerns about increased electricity bills and water usage, as well as a lack of transparency from city officials. The city had previously released information about the project's economic benefits and estimated water consumption.
Residents of Lufkin, Texas, were barred from addressing the City Council about proposed AI data centers during a recent meeting, despite a large crowd gathering to express their concerns. Mayor Mark Hicks enforced council rules, stating the topic was not on the agenda, which led to frustration among attendees.
Anthony Wiggins, a 16-year-old, was among those who prepared to speak against the data centers, citing potential community disbenefits, widespread Texan opposition, and skyrocketing electricity bills due to closed-loop water systems. Christina Perez, an organizer, criticized the city's lack of transparency, a sentiment echoed by Steve DuBose, who specifically raised concerns about water resources.
The city had previously issued a press release in February regarding the project at the former Southland Paper Mill site, touting an estimated $1.05 billion in private investment, 500 construction jobs, and 30 full-time operational positions. City officials also claimed the project would use only 500 gallons of water per day, comparable to three homes, and would not affect the broader community's water service, leveraging existing infrastructure acquired by the city in 2009 for industrial growth. The proposed data center site is located outside Lufkin city limits.