Residents gather to protest potential AI data centers in Victoria

Residents in Victoria, Texas, gathered at the Pattie Dodson Public Health Center on Saturday to protest the potential construction of artificial intelligence data centers in the area. The demonstration was organized by Joseph Napolitano of Concerned Citizens for Responsible Development, who emphasized the goal of educating the community on potential impacts and fostering involvement in future development decisions. Polling data cited by Napolitano suggested significant opposition to data centers, particularly in rural Texas. The group's concerns extend to other industrial developments, such as ammonia plants at the port, advocating for greater public awareness and voice in these matters.

U.S. House District 27 candidate Tanya Lloyd traveled from Lockhart to express solidarity with the residents, highlighting her concerns about the detrimental effects of data centers on communities, including impacts on housing, infrastructure, and the environment. Lloyd referenced Abilene as an example where large data center construction projects reportedly led to a housing crisis due to an influx of out-of-town construction workers displacing local residents.

Napolitano, a master electrician, acknowledged the potential for job creation but urged residents to consider the long-term environmental and societal consequences of such developments, advocating for responsible growth that balances economic benefits with community well-being. The Victoria City Council is scheduled to host a public hearing to discuss potential ordinances that would regulate data center development, including setting limits on their proximity to residential areas, allowing residents to provide input.