Residents in North Texas, particularly in cities like Celina and Melissa, are increasingly opposing the construction of data centers, citing noise pollution, environmental impact, and strain on local resources. Some have even turned to prayer, asking for divine intervention to halt the projects, according to a Bloomberg report by Dina Katgara published on May 21, 2026.
The opposition has grown as data centers, which support cloud computing and AI, have proliferated in the region due to tax incentives and available land. Locals report constant humming from cooling systems and concerns about water usage for cooling, as well as the impact on property values and rural character.
In response, community groups have organized protests, filed lawsuits, and in some cases, held prayer vigils. One resident quoted in the Bloomberg article said, 'We've tried everything else, so we're asking Jesus for help.' The movement reflects a broader national trend of pushback against data center development in residential areas.
Local officials are caught between economic development promises and constituent complaints. Some cities have imposed temporary moratoriums on new data center permits to study the issues, while others continue to approve projects, citing job creation and tax revenue.
As of May 2026, no data center projects have been halted solely by prayer, but the activism has led to increased scrutiny and delays in some permit approvals.
