The Texas Data Center Rebellion Has Begun

A statewide gathering titled the "Texas Data Center Rebellion" brought together residents from various parts of Texas, including El Paso, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley, to voice their opposition to the rapid expansion of data centers. Attendees shared concerns about the environmental impact, such as the loss of natural landscapes, air pollution from new power plants built to power these facilities, and the depletion of aquifers due to the massive water demands of data centers. The article highlights a sentiment among many participants to halt or significantly reduce data center buildout, despite acknowledging the ubiquity of AI in modern life. The push for generative artificial intelligence and surging crypto interests is projected to triple the number of data centers in a few years, leading to significant consumption of land and water and increased reliance on fossil fuel power plants. In response to these growing concerns, a coalition of environmental groups, including Texas signatories like Climate Conversation Brazoria County and Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility, called for a national moratorium on new data center construction and permitting in December, citing the industry's contribution to climate catastrophe.