Lack of Transparency Surrounds Data Center Projects in Bells, Texas

Residents Demand Answers Amid Data Center Expansion

BELLS, Texas — Concern continues to mount among residents in Bells, Texas, as uncertainty clouds plans for a new data center in their rural community. Mason McCallister, a local realtor, first encountered survey markers on nearby property last year. After speculating they were linked to the anticipated facility, he faced a daunting challenge in uncovering the project's details. Local officials remained tight-lipped, and information was scarce.

McCallister, 34, took matters into his own hands, journeying to ascertain facts about the report on a data center rumored to be linked to Black Mountain, a digital infrastructure firm based in Fort Worth. His persistent inquiries, which included searching property records and engaging with surveyors, eventually led him to confront Black Mountain's CEO, Rhett Bennett, during a town hall meeting in March 2026.

“Deep down I was always hoping that I was wrong,” McCallister said after the confirmation that the company was indeed considering a data center near his home. His determination underscores a troubling trend where local residents act as detectives, tracking potential developments due to a lack of transparency from officials and companies involved in these projects.

Growing Frustration Over Disclosures

The plight of Bells residents reflects a broader issue affecting communities across Texas as data centers proliferate. Many residents are frustrated with the delays and difficulty in accessing information about projects that could drastically alter their neighborhoods. Recent reports indicate that concerned homeowners have resorted to grassroots organizing and questioning local representatives, often finding themselves in the dark regarding crucial details.

Data center initiatives threaten to impose significant environmental costs, notably in regards to water consumption and land use. For instance, reports show that data centers can consume millions of gallons of water annually, raising alarms among citizens and local officials. In some cases, nondisclosure agreements complicate efforts to gain access to essential information, with many local officials reporting a lack of clarity from developers.

In response, state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, have begun pushing for stricter regulations. Abbott recently called for a halt on approvals of new data centers seeking to connect to Texas' power grid until information regarding their environmental impact and eligibility for tax breaks is clarified.

Community Activism and Advocacy

The increasing opacity surrounding the data center sector has spurred community activists into action. Groups such as “Texans United Against Data Centers,” founded by concerned citizens like Julie Waters, have garnered substantial support, amassing over 35,000 members on social media platforms as they advocate for stricter disclosure requirements.

Local authorities, including Grayson County officials where McCallister resides, are advocating for increased transparency. An alarming pattern has emerged where numerous counties reportedly find themselves blindsided by developers, often learning of significant projects only when it is too late to contest them. As reported, at least 34 Texas counties are calling for state-level interventions to ensure data centers disclose pertinent information.

The Path Forward

As concerns from residents echo in communities across Texas, the 2023 legislative session is likely to bring further scrutiny to data centers and their practices. McCallister continues to track developments around his property while fostering a network of concerned citizens eager to uphold community interests over unregulated growth. He remains determined, stating, “I’m taking that away from them,” referring to the secrecy surrounding data center operations.

The situation remains fluid, with McCallister and others striving to secure their community’s future as they grapple with the complexities and rapid advancements of the digital infrastructure industry. As advocates for increased accountability and transparency persist in their efforts, the unfolding tale of Bells, Texas, may serve as a bellwether for other locales facing the data center boom.