Data center developments face local opposition in Texas and California

Data center developments in Texas and California are facing scrutiny from local officials and residents due to safety and environmental concerns.

In Granbury, Texas, officials at the Granbury Regional Airport are investigating whether the proposed Project Patriot data center, developed by Bilateral Energy, could create dangerous turbulence. Aviation Director Cody Mathis noted that the city may fund a study to determine if heat signatures from the 2,000-acre Knox Ranch project could create wind shear or vertical drafts that impact aircraft approaching the airfield. A planned runway expansion may bring aircraft closer to the development, heightening these concerns.

In Pittsburg, California, the AVAIO Perseus Data Center has sparked intense local opposition. Residents have expressed concerns regarding the facility's massive electricity and water requirements, as well as its potential impact on nearby wetlands. The project, located at a former municipal golf course, is slated to start with 99 megawatts of capacity but could expand to 500 megawatts. The tension has escalated to the point where City Councilmember Arlene Kobata reported being physically confronted and receiving death threats over the project's approval.