Willie Nelson has urged Americans to oppose the construction of data centres across the nation.
The iconic musician called on followers to “fight against” data centres “invading our land” on Instagram on Tuesday.
Nelson pointed to a proposed development in his hometown of Abbott, Texas as an example. Previously, environmental organisations have argued that large facilities use huge amounts of water daily, primarily for cooling server stacks.
“I grew up in Abbott, and I still have a home there with farmed land where I can still see stars at night,” he wrote in a letter. “And now our community, like many others, needs to fight against data centers invading our land. 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 On the Road Again hitmaker, who has previously been involved in activism over the use of biofuels, went on to express concern that data centres will affect farming and the environment.
“The strength of rural America has never come from big industrial footprints. It comes from generations of people, open spaces, local businesses, and a connection to the land,” the 93-year-old continued. “All of America deserves thoughtful stewardship that doesn’t steal farmland (where our essential shared food is grown) and small family farmers’ livelihoods, and not data centers that only destroy the environment around them.”
And to conclude the fiery message, Nelson insisted now is the time to start campaigning.
“Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses. Let’s not allow our own demise or give up control over necessary resources in the U.S. and especially in Abbott,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Always on My Mind singer is set to publish a new memoir, The Last Leaf, on 10 November.
