We Saw What AI Data Centers Don't Want You to See

In a groundbreaking investigation, PBS Terra's Overview series, hosted by Joe Hanson, teamed up with investigative journalist Evan Simon of Floodlight News to expose what's really happening behind the walls of one of the world's largest AI data centers. Using thermal drone footage, they revealed the hidden fossil fuel pollution powering the AI boom—and the communities left in its shadow.

Stargate: A Mega-Site in Rural Texas

The investigation focused on Stargate, a massive AI data center under construction in Abilene, Texas. When complete, it will span 4 million square feet across 1,100 acres—larger than New York City's Central Park. The facility is being built at breakneck speed as part of a global race to dominate artificial intelligence, with companies projected to invest nearly $7 trillion in data center infrastructure by 2030.

The Hidden Pollution

Despite tech companies' promises about renewable energy, the investigation revealed that much of this AI expansion is still being powered by fossil fuels. Stargate already has 62 diesel generators and 10 gas-powered turbines on site, with plans for 41 more. Once complete, the onsite power plant could deliver more than 1.7 gigawatts—enough to power over a million homes—and emit more than 7.8 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the emissions of about 2 million cars.

The thermal drone footage made the invisible visible. As the camera switched from standard to thermal imaging, heat signatures poured from the facility's stacks, confirming that pollution is actively occurring at the site. Gas turbines like these are essentially jet engines that generate electricity, emitting greenhouse gases and harmful air pollution linked to asthma, heart attacks, and even premature death.

The Community Fighting Back

Omaira Garcia, a military veteran who lives next door to Stargate with her husband, described how life changed overnight when construction began. Residents were kept in the dark—local officials signed non-disclosure agreements, and the community was given no opportunity to understand the impact or have a voice.

"We invest in our home, we serve our country, and we weren't even included in this process. We weren't given any time to understand what this impact was going to be on us. I feel trapped."

The Garcias now change their air filters every two weeks because they're clogged with construction dust. And with only 10 of the planned 50+ turbines operational, OG fears what's coming.

A Pattern of Secrecy

Evan Simon's investigation has revealed that Stargate is not an isolated case. In Southaven, Mississippi, another community is grappling with xAI's Colossus data center, which powers the Grok chatbot. Across the country, data centers are brazenly defying environmental laws while regulators struggle to keep up with the pace of construction.

The secrecy is systemic: public officials are signing NDAs, companies are hiding behind proprietary information shields, and state and federal regulators appear unable or unwilling to enforce existing protections. As Simon notes, there's a real transparency issue around the AI industry right now—and it's a critical time to pay close attention.

Why This Matters

The numbers are staggering. Big tech companies are projected to spend more than $800 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, exceeding a trillion dollars in 2027—on par with the entire U.S. defense budget. Global chatbot use has more than doubled in the last year, from 400 to 900 million users, driving insatiable demand for energy.

As the investigation makes clear, this is not an anti-technology stance. It's a demand for transparency, accountability, and the right of communities to know what's being built in their backyards—and at what cost to their health, homes, and environment.

Sources & Citations

• PBS Terra — Overview: "We Saw What AI Data Centers Don't Want You to See" (May 28, 2026) — Watch on YouTube
• Floodlight News: Investigative reporting by Evan Simon — floodlightnews.org
• Host: Joe Hanson, Be Smart / Overview
• Drone Operations: Thermal imaging in coordination with Floodlight News

Video and thumbnail courtesy of PBS Terra. This post is published for educational and advocacy purposes under fair use.