Resident: ‘Rural life threatened’ by data center

Lisa Winslow of Stockdale, Wilson County, Texas, expressed significant concern after witnessing extensive tree clearing at the former Mojo Ranch, the designated site for the Misae Energy Hub. This project, which includes an an AI data center, solar farm, and gas plant, has prompted worries about its impact on the rural community, specifically regarding emissions, chemical contamination, excessive water usage, and increased noise and light pollution. Winslow believes the development threatens the area's quiet country life. In response, community members formed the Wilson County Resource Preservation Project (WCRPP), a new non-profit dedicated to advocating for sustainable growth and protecting local aquifers, land, air quality, and night skies. The WCRPP, an evolution of the "Protect Wilson County Water" group, has garnered over 2,500 signatures on a petition. This petition urges the Wilson County Commissioners Court to fully exercise its authority over infrastructure and development agreements for large-scale industrial projects before granting approvals. Tambria Read, an administrator for the WCRPP's Facebook page, highlighted fears about water supply depletion and the potential for a proliferation of data centers if this project proceeds. The organization has scheduled a community meeting in Kosciusko to further address these issues. The project's controversy has resonated at the state level. State Representative Helen Kerwin dispatched a letter to Governor Greg Abbott, advocating for an "immediate pause" on rural data center developments across Texas. Kerwin also suggested forming an expert panel to study long-term impacts and implementing mandatory public notice for projects requiring substantial water or electricity. Concurrently, State Representative Don McLaughlin hosted a Rural South Texas Water Forum, emphasizing that water policy will be a critical focus in the upcoming legislative session.