{"id":331446,"date":"2026-06-11T01:06:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T01:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/331446\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T01:06:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T01:06:22","slug":"as-data-centers-grow-pushback-continues-in-rural-towns-across-southeast-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/331446\/","title":{"rendered":"As data centers grow, pushback continues in rural towns across Southeast Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Recent studies show that about 3 of every 4 Americans are concerned about the increased use of AI.<\/p>\n

As data centers grow across Southeast Texas, communities are now coming face to face with this technology of the future.<\/p>\n

“I would describe it as having something that’s so peaceful to you taken away,” Melissa Burnett, who lives near a data center, said.<\/p>\n

The Burnetts said what was once a quaint and quiet backyard is now met with constant noise.<\/p>\n

Wesley and Melissa Burnett say they saved 17 years for their dream home in Brazoria County; now they say it isn’t the same.<\/p>\n

“It’s been a lot since October, a lot of days of this, ya know,” Melissa said.<\/p>\n

Just about 600 feet away from their backyard is a 6-acre data center.<\/p>\n

“Sounds like you want to go on vacation but you’re sitting on a runway; you can hear the jet going, but it does not take you to vacation,” Wesley Burnett said.<\/p>\n

The facility just off County Road 348 is something Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta said they have no control over.<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO: Alvin, Brazoria County leaders propose resolutions to oppose data centers<\/a><\/p>\n

“It just popped up; we have no say,” Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta said.<\/p>\n

The ABC data team<\/a> found that, as of February of this year, there are 429 data centers in Texas; 293 are already operating, with the rest planned or already under construction.<\/p>\n

According to the data center map, the largest working site in the area is in Hockley.<\/p>\n

The buildings house computers, servers, and storage – experts say the rise in the facilities is due to the boom in artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

Proponents say they will bring more jobs and tax incentives — and that they are necessary as technology advances.<\/p>\n

But most rural Texas town leaders ABC13 spoke with say they don’t want them in their communities due to the amount of water some facilities take, the large use of power, and the noise concerns.<\/p>\n

“The people of Manvel have expressed hesitation and caution towards data centers, so I’ve taken an approach within my position as mayor is no to data centers,” Manvel Mayor Dan Davis said.<\/p>\n

“We have no long-term data on what data centers are going to do, whether it’s the health of the wildlife in the area; the cattle, the people,” Brazoria Mayor Phillip Ray said.<\/p>\n

“I don’t believe these data centers should be close to residents; I just don’t,” Alvin City Councilmember Scott Salter said.<\/p>\n

Some entities are now taking action to show their disdain for data centers.<\/p>\n

The city of Alvin, which doesn’t have zoning, and Brazoria County are passing a resolution opposing future data centers; Judge Sebesta said they are sending a message but that it has no teeth.<\/p>\n

“Unless the people move forward with it, that resolution is not worth the value of the paper it’s written on,” Judge Sebesta said.<\/p>\n

Experts say that throughout the Lone Star State, counties don’t have the same zoning and authority that most cities do to prevent such locations.<\/p>\n

“Not that we wanted to fight this battle, but we’re going to fight it, we’re going to fight it.” Melissa Burnett said.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Two data centers proposed for Matagorda County, residents pushing back<\/a>
<\/p>\n

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