City commission puts a 90-day hold on data center decision

The Taylor Planning & Zoning Commission has postponed a vote on a zoning amendment for Project Mustang, a proposed 665-acre data center and adjacent power plant, delaying the decision by 90 days. This move provides the city of Taylor, Texas, more time to finalize its digital infrastructure guidelines and development regulations, a process currently being explored by the Comprehensive Plan & Development Code Advisory Committee.

The delay comes amidst strong community opposition to the potential fourth data center in the area, with residents raising concerns about noise, emissions, light, and quality-of-life issues. Additionally, Commissioner Amy Everhart noted that the state is working on new data center regulations, echoing Governor Gregg Abbott's call for a statewide moratorium on data centers. Governor Abbott has urged the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to audit future projects for water and electricity availability.

Developers Powerhouse and Big Watt Digital, through representative John Stokes, indicated their intent to proceed with Project Mustang by 2028, even if the city does not approve annexation. While annexation would allow Taylor to collect significant property and sales tax revenue, the project's location in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction means it does not strictly require city development code compliance. The project includes data center buildings, a mechanical yard, three substations, a gas infrastructure power plant, and other utility infrastructure, with up to 89% of the site covered by buildings or parking. The city has scheduled a digital infrastructure community meeting for August 25 to gather public feedback.