Residents pack Texarkana council meeting to oppose proposed AI data center

Texarkana, Texas, residents filled the City Council chambers to oppose a proposed 500-acre artificial intelligence data center at the Texamericas Center, citing significant concerns over its environmental and economic impact. During the public forum, multiple speakers urged the council to thoroughly study the project and slow its advancement. Melissa Sturgeon highlighted that many US data centers are in water-stressed areas, claiming a single facility could use up to 5 million gallons of water daily. Jim Trent warned of a potentially half-built facility if the AI sector contracts, proposing a citizens' investigative committee to examine infrastructure impacts and zoning tools. Robert Clark questioned the developer's job claims, suggesting most would be temporary construction roles. Other speakers raised issues including noise pollution, air quality, rising utility bills, and the carbon footprint from diesel generators. Alicia Utz and Sandy Burton expressed worries about strain on the power grid, water supply, and potential negative impacts on community mental health. Shannon Rose questioned the choice of Texarkana, citing reports of data centers often being sited in marginalized communities. An online petition against the facility had gathered 2,433 signatures by the time of the May 11 meeting. Despite the widespread public opposition and detailed concerns, the City Council took no action on the data center proposal at the meeting. The article also covered other city business, including reappointments, airport contracts, affordable housing plans, and a discussion on tax abatement guidelines.