OpenAI seeks federal permit to build on 72 acres of wetlands for Texas data center

OpenAI has applied to the US Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill 72 acres of wetlands at its Project Camelia data center in Effingham County, Texas. The 4.4 million sq ft campus is contracted for 3.2GW from Georgia Power, with delivery in 2028–2032, and could cost over $30bn. Environmental groups warn of flooding risks; public comment runs until November 4.

• Permit filed with the US Army Corps of Engineers to fill 72 acres of wetlands
• Project Camelia spans 4.4 million sq ft and is contracted for 3.2GW from Georgia Power
• Development cost estimated at more than $30bn
• OpenAI says it will preserve 70% of wetlands within the project site