Culture
29 Jul 26

Willie Nelson publishes open letter encouraging communities to "fight against" data centres

"The last thing we need is a loud, water thieving, light polluting data center," he said.

Willie Nelson has published an open letter saying communities need to fight against data centres and their environmental destruction.

“Our community, like many others, needs to fight against data centers invading our land,” he said. “The last thing we need is a loud, water thieving, light polluting data center anywhere near our town (or any others for that matter).”

The country artist went on to champion family farmers, local businesses and “a connection to the land.”

He described growing up in Abbott, Texas, “where I can still see stars at night.”

“Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses. Let’s not allow our own demise or give up control over necessary resources in the US and especially in Abbott.”

Data centres are a growing concern in the US and elsewhere due to their consumption of water, land and energy to power AI. In Ireland, data centres consume 23 percent of the nation’s metered electricity, according to a report from the Central Statistics Office.

Nelson has a long history of being outspoken, particularly about environmental issues.

Last September, Nelson celebrated the 40^th anniversary of Farm Aid, a non-profit organisation and annual benefit concert that raises money and awareness for family farmers. He formed Farm Aid alongside John Mellencamp and Neil Young in 1985.

The Farm Aid benefit concert is on September 26 in Virginia Beach.

In May, Nelson put out his 79^th solo studio LP, Dream Chaser. He is also touring throughout the summer as part of the Outlaw Country Festival Tour.