- OpenAI's Stargate data center in Abilene, Texas was built next to Omaira Garcia's ranch without prior notice, causing dust and pollution concerns.
- Texas regulators allowed data centers like Stargate to use minor air permits ('permits by rule') to avoid extensive environmental reviews and public input, leading to quiet construction of gas plants and diesel generators.
- A Floodlight investigation found that minor permits have enabled dozens of Texas data centers to operate onsite power sources, emitting significant pollutants, with over 2,100 backup diesel generators permitted statewide.
- Stargate's developers used a 'small first, big later' strategy, starting with minor permits for 10 turbines and 62 generators, then filing for a major expansion with 41 more turbines and 18 generators, potentially making it one of Texas's largest fossil-fuel plants.