As data centers grow, pushback continues in rural towns across Southeast Texas

Residents of Brazoria County, Texas, are facing growing frustration with the expansion of data centers in their rural communities. Melissa and Wesley Burnett, who live near a 6-acre facility off County Road 348, describe constant noise disrupting their once-quiet backyard, comparing it to the sound of an airplane on a runway without the relief of travel. The Burnetts, who saved for 17 years to buy their dream home, now feel their quality of life has deteriorated since the data center’s arrival in October. Local leaders share the residents’ concerns. Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta stated that the county has no control over data center development, as facilities like the one near the Burnetts ‘just popped up’ without public input. Manvel Mayor Dan Davis has taken a firm stance against data centers, citing community hesitation over long-term impacts on health, wildlife, and cattle. Alvin City Councilmember Scott Salter echoed these worries, emphasizing that data centers should not be located near residential areas. Texas hosts 429 data centers as of February 2026, with 293 already operational and the rest under construction or planned, according to an ABC data team analysis. The largest active site is in Hockley, housing servers and storage critical to the AI boom. Proponents argue these facilities bring jobs and tax incentives, but rural town leaders reject them, citing excessive water and power consumption as major drawbacks. In response, Alvin and Brazoria County have passed resolutions opposing future data centers, though Judge Sebesta clarified these measures lack legal enforcement without broader public action. The lack of zoning authority in many Texas counties leaves rural communities powerless to stop data center expansion. Melissa Burnett vowed resistance, declaring, ‘We’re going to fight it,’ as residents push back against the encroachment of technology-driven infrastructure on their livelihoods.