"A 7.65 gigawatt AI data center is coming to Texas. To power it, developers secured a permit to build an on-site power plant of its own. For context, that is more electricity than some small countries consume. Environmental groups are already mobilizing. Community activists are organizing. And the fight is less about this single project than about what it represents: the explosive rise of AI factories and the mounting resistance to their footprint."
"Across 24 states, nearly 150 organized groups are pushing back. Over the past two years alone, about $18 billion in projects have been halted and another $46 billion delayed due to community and environmental resistance. While opposition is growing, supporters argue that large-scale data centers can deliver meaningful economic benefits. Developers point to construction jobs, long-term tax revenue, and infrastructure upgrades that can strengthen local grids."
An upcoming 7.65 GW AI data center in Texas plans an on-site power plant, using more electricity than some small countries. Environmental groups and community activists mobilize across 24 states, with nearly 150 organized groups opposing large facilities. In the past two years about $18 billion in projects have been halted and $46 billion delayed due to resistance. Supporters argue that large-scale data centers bring construction jobs, long-term tax revenue, and infrastructure upgrades that can strengthen local grids. Utilities in some markets are exploring how large, flexible AI loads could stabilize demand and lower costs for other customers.
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