Country music icon Willie Nelson has added his voice to growing opposition against the construction of data centers supporting artificial intelligence, citing environmental concerns and the impact on rural communities.
In a social media post, Nelson described his upbringing in Abbott, Texas, a rural community where he still has a home and farmland. He stated that his community, like many others, is facing a threat from data centers that he described as "loud, water thieving, light polluting." He emphasized that the strength of rural America comes from its people, open spaces, local businesses, and connection to the land, not large industrial footprints.
Nelson, a longtime environmentalist and co-founder of Farm Aid, released his statement amid a surge in data center development in Texas. The demand for these facilities in the state is projected to double by 2028, with Texas on track to become the world's largest market for data centers by 2030. Local opponents have raised concerns that these projects will lead to excessive water and electricity consumption, as well as pollution and noise.
The issue has gained political traction in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott, who is running for reelection, recently called for a ban on data center development in rural areas. This stance represents a shift from his earlier characterization of Texas as the "epicenter of AI development."
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that a majority of Americans oppose the construction of data centers in their communities. Nelson urged for "thoughtful stewardship" that protects farmland and the livelihoods of small family farmers, arguing against data centers that he believes "only destroy the environment around them."