East Texans raise concerns over proposed Lufkin-area data center
Residents in Angelina County, Texas, are voicing significant concerns over a proposed billion-dollar data center near Lufkin, citing potential pollution, noise, and declining property values. County leaders state they lack authority to prevent development outside city limits under Texas law. Community members plan to escalate their concerns to state lawmakers.
Dozens of East Texans packed an Angelina County meeting yesterday demanding answers about a proposed billion-dollar data center near Lufkin. Residents voiced concerns about possible pollution, noise, and declining property values tied to this project. The proposed facility would sit on more than 1,000 acres near State Highway 103 East and is projected to bring hundreds of temporary jobs.
However, county leaders stated that their hands are tied under Texas law, as they do not possess the authority to stop development outside city limits. This legal constraint leaves them unable to directly intervene in the project's progression.
In response to the perceived lack of local recourse, community members are now planning to take their concerns directly to state lawmakers, indicating a continued debate over the project and its potential impacts.