Willie Nelson has spoken out against the rapid spread of data centres across the United States, describing them as "water thieving" and "light polluting" developments that communities should resist. In a statement addressing projects being built nationwide, the country music legend and veteran activist said his own community, like many others, needs to fight against data centres "invading" local land, adding that the last thing any town needs is such a facility nearby. His intervention lends a high-profile voice to a fast-growing debate that has increasingly dominated city council meetings and political races across America.

Nelson, long known for activism on causes including marijuana legalisation and support for farmers, did not name a specific project or location behind his comments. The row over data centres has intensified as construction accelerates nationwide, driven largely by demand from artificial intelligence and cloud computing, with critics citing concerns over water and energy use, noise and light pollution. The remarks come as Nelson, now in his early nineties, continues to release new music, having put out his 156th solo album, Dream Chaser, in May.