Odessa, Texas – The Ector County Commissioners Court convened Tuesday to discuss a proposed data center slated for South Odessa. Sabur Mian, chief executive of STN, presented the project as a pioneering effort to achieve a near‑negative carbon footprint, likening it to a modern industrial revolution.
Developer’s vision for a green data hub
“One of the key things here is, just like the Industrial Revolution, this is a new revolution. We plan on attempting to get close to a negative carbon footprint site, which would be hosted and which would be one of the first ones ever created in the entire world. And we’re trying to do that here in Odessa,” Mian said.
Mian emphasized that the facility would employ cutting‑edge cooling technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact. He argued that the project could position the Permian Basin as a “Data‑plex” complementing its reputation as the world’s “Petroplex,”” potentially attracting high‑tech jobs and ancillary businesses to the region.
Community concerns surface
Not all attendees shared the optimism. Dee Benefield, a local resident, questioned why the center would be placed so close to existing neighborhoods. “With so much land around Ector County, why so close to residents? This is not about Odessa. This is not about citizens of Odessa. It’s about politics and your pocketbook. It’s about outsiders who are not native Odessans trying to make a name for themselves,” Benefield asserted.
Benefield’s remarks reflected a broader worry among some Odessans that the project may overlook local input and could affect property values or quality of life.
Support from other residents
Other community members expressed enthusiasm. Bob Thayer, a supporter, highlighted the global relevance of the technology. “And the technology that is being used all over the world, and it is an incredible thing. As the Permian Basin is the Petroplex of the world, we can be also the Data‑plex of the world,” he said.
Thayer and like‑minded supporters see the data center as an opportunity to diversify the local economy beyond oil and gas, creating high‑skill employment and reinforcing Odessa’s role in the digital infrastructure supply chain.
Next steps and unanswered questions
The Commissioners Court did not set a completion date during the meeting, and no formal vote was taken. Officials indicated that further environmental reviews and community outreach will be required before the project can move forward.
County Judge [Name] reminded attendees that the court will continue to monitor the proposal’s compliance with zoning regulations and environmental standards. He encouraged residents to submit written comments during the public‑comment period.
As the discussion continues, the data center proposal remains a focal point for balancing economic development with stewardship of the local environment and quality of life for Odessans.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
