Willie Nelson blasts data center in his hometown south of Fort Worth
Country music legend Willie Nelson has spoken out against data center development, specifically targeting a project in his hometown of Abbott, Texas, due to concerns about environmental impact and resource consumption. His statement comes amidst escalating statewide opposition to data centers, which includes legal action in Hill County and a project halt near Cedar Creek Lake.
Country music icon Willie Nelson has joined the growing chorus of opposition against data center development in Texas, issuing a statement urging Texans to "fight against" what he calls an "invasion" of their land. Nelson, a Central Texas resident, specifically voiced strong concerns about a proposed data center in his hometown of Abbott, located in Hill County south of Fort Worth.
He emphasized that the strength of rural America stems from its people, open spaces, and connection to the land, not from "big industrial footprints." Nelson criticized data centers as "loud, water thieving, light polluting" facilities that "only destroy the environment" and consume valuable farmland. He warned against relinquishing control over essential resources like food and water to such developments.
Nelson's remarks highlight a broader, increasingly polarized debate surrounding rapid data center expansion across Texas. The article references several ongoing conflicts, including Temple residents attempting to recall City Council members over a controversial data center vote, and Hill County settling a lawsuit with a developer after trying to enact a moratorium on data center construction. Additionally, a data center project near Cedar Creek Lake was recently halted by developer Diode due to bipartisan backlash, and a coalition of farmers and ranchers protested at the Texas State Capitol in July.