Country music icon Willie Nelson, aged 93, is urging Americans to reconsider plans for future development, particularly regarding data centers. In a social media message shared on Tuesday, Nelson encouraged people to resist the encroachment of data centers on rural lands.
Reflecting on his hometown in Texas, Nelson lamented the increase in light pollution and water usage caused by industrial growth. “I grew up in Abbott,” Nelson stated, “and I still have a home there with farmed land where I can still see stars at night. Now, like many communities, we must fight against data centers moving into our land.”
The “On the Road Again” artist emphasized the importance of America’s rural strengths, which he attributes to open spaces, local businesses, and a deep connection to the land. “These elements create the backbone of rural America, not large industrial entities. America deserves stewardship that respects farmland and supports family farmers’ livelihoods, not data centers that harm the environment,” he said.
Nelson expressed concern over control of essential resources, including food and water, stating, “Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses. Let’s not allow our own downfall by surrendering necessary resources, especially in Abbott.”
“The last thing we need is a loud, water thieving, light polluting, data center near our town,”Nelson asserted.
For decades, Nelson has been an advocate for the environment and has raised over $90 million through his Farm Aid initiative. Co-founded with John Mellencamp and Neil Young in 1985, the nonprofit aims to support family farms and raise awareness about agricultural concerns.
On the political front, Governor Greg Abbott has recently called for prohibitions on data center developments in rural Texas, emphasizing the need for these centers to be self-sufficient in terms of power and resources.
“We must eliminate their tax breaks,” the governor stated, “These centers should fund their projects independently without burdening our state’s resources.”
Tracy Wright is an entertainment reporter for Fox News Digital.