Amarillo data center project gets approval from en­vi­ron­mental agency, despite community pushback

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has granted final approval for Fermi America's "Project Matador" data center campus near Amarillo, Texas, allowing the nearly 6,000-acre facility to proceed despite widespread community opposition. The project, touted as the world's largest data center campus, secured the second-largest clean air permit in the country, a decision that has been met with significant disappointment from local residents and environmental groups. Amarillo residents, including Kendra Seawright, voiced anxieties about potential air and water pollution, particularly concerning the campus's authorization to emit 23.5 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. Kathryn Guerra, director of Public Citizen’s TCEQ Watchdog Campaign, criticized the agency for dismissing these community concerns, stating that the TCEQ's role should be to evaluate environmental and health impacts before granting permits. Guerra expressed frustration that the agency often issues permits "no matter what the cost to the environment or to the community" and believes the TCEQ leadership needs to work on restoring public trust. Despite over 300 public comments submitted to the TCEQ on Fermi’s air permit application, the agency moved forward with the approval. Cathy Landtroop, Fermi America’s chief communications officer, affirmed the air permit as a "significant milestone" for their 11 GW private grid campus. With this decision, Project Matador is set to advance into its final stages, leaving opposing residents like Seawright feeling "incredibly disheartening, infuriating," and "running into a brick wall."