Texarkana Residents Rally Against Proposed Data Center Expansion
Texarkana residents are actively organizing against a proposed 500-acre data center, citing concerns over water consumption, noise, and limited public input. They are also advocating for Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address the issue of data centers and tax breaks statewide.
Residents of Texarkana are actively organizing against a proposed 500-acre data center project, identified as "Project Big Pine," slated for development within the TexAmericas Center industrial park. Their primary concerns revolve around potential environmental impacts such as excessive water consumption and increased noise levels, alongside allegations of insufficient public engagement in the decision-making process.
The opposition group is seeking a special legislative session, rather than waiting for the 2027 regular session, to address these issues. This call comes after Governor Greg Abbott, during a recent visit to East Texas, voiced strong sentiments against such developments.
Governor Abbott stated that the state "must prohibit them from building AI data centers in rural Texas neighborhoods" and "must eliminate the tax break they are getting." He emphasized that data center developers "must be responsible for funding their own projects here in Texas." Residents hope this stance will translate into immediate legislative action to halt the proposed Texarkana project and similar developments across the state.
Project Big Pine was initially announced earlier this year, sparking the community's swift response and advocacy for governmental intervention.