East Texas Residents Push Curbs on $1 Billion Angelina Data Center
Updated
Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 9
East Texas Residents Push Curbs on $1 Billion Angelina Data Center
3 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 9
Summary
$1 billion in proposed investment near Lufkin has triggered organized opposition from East Texas residents, who want written county safeguards before any tax-abatement deal for the Angelina County data center moves ahead.
Residents say the 1,000-acre project could strain water and power supplies and bring persistent noise, citing Texas data centers' 25 billion gallons of water use in 2025 and ERCOT requests that would add 438,595 megawatts of demand.
EPG Champion says the facility would use a closed-loop cooling system filled once with about 30,000 gallons for up to 10 years, preserve wetlands and use part of the site as a sound buffer.
Local officials are split: Lufkin's mayor backs the project for 30 full-time jobs, 500 construction jobs and tax revenue, while the county judge says any agreement must include environmental and neighbor-protection conditions.
Texas counties still lack power to block such projects, leaving residents to press for state rules after Gov. Greg Abbott called for tighter regulation and proposed standards for 2027.
Will Texas lawmakers empower local towns to reject data centers in 2027?
Can rural Texas avoid becoming a resource colony for the booming AI industry?
Texas Data Center Showdown: Angelina County’s Battle Over Jobs, Water, and Community Rights
Overview
Angelina County is facing a major conflict over a proposed AI data center project, which has sparked strong local opposition despite promises of economic benefits. Judge Keith Wright, who once supported the project, changed his stance after learning more about its potential harms. Now, he is only willing to negotiate a tax abatement agreement with the developer, AmpZ Champion Data Center Holdings, if strict conditions are met to protect the community and environment. This situation highlights the tension between economic development and community concerns, as well as the need for clear, enforceable agreements to ensure responsible operations.