Temple approves third Rowan data center at nearly 8-hour meeting, recall planned

The Temple City Council held a marathon meeting, lasting nearly eight hours, that concluded with the approval of Rowan Ranger, the third data center development by Rowan Digital Infrastructure. This decision came despite a large turnout of approximately 150 Temple residents who packed the council chambers, standing along walls and filling seats in a concerted effort to prevent the project's approval. In response to the council's vote, opponents of the data center project have announced plans to initiate a recall campaign targeting three council members: Council member Mike Pilkington, Mayor Tim Davis, and Mayor pro tem Jessica Walker. Representatives from Rowan Digital Infrastructure, including Senior Manager of Procurement Steve Edwards and Director of Water Strategy Chris Kurtz, were present to answer questions from the council and concerned residents, who inquired about various aspects of the development. A handout titled "Myth vs. Fact" was also distributed by Rowan to attendees.