Texas Said It Would Halt Data Center Permits. The State is Pushing Ahead Anyway
Residents near the Stargate data center project in Abilene, Texas, say the state is continuing to permit a large gas turbine power plant despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s call to halt data center permits. Community members cite PFAS contamination, potential toxic air emissions, and health risks, and are organizing for a public hearing and stronger state oversight.
Residents in the Abilene area say a data center project that began as a Bitcoin mining operation has evolved into the Stargate development, along with plans for a large gas turbine power plant near homes. They say the city has already recorded elevated PFAS levels and that notices from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality warned residents about substantial air emissions.
Community members have organized, written to their state representative and secured a commitment for a public hearing, although the hearing has not yet been scheduled. They argue that Texas officials are allowing the project and related permits to proceed despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s call to halt data center permitting, while residents remain concerned about respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease and cancer risks associated with pollution and industrial development.