Taylor petition to restrict new data centers ruled ineligible for ballot under Texas law

A citizen-led petition in Taylor, Texas, aimed at restricting future data center development, has been ruled ineligible for the ballot. City leaders announced at a packed Taylor City Hall meeting that, after legal consultation, the measure could not proceed through the initiative process because Texas law prohibits zoning changes by popular vote.

The HALT Taylor Data Centers coalition had gathered approximately 1,400 signatures for the petition, which sought to prohibit new data centers under current zoning until specific digital infrastructure rules were created. Spokesperson Carrie D'Anna expressed anger, stating that residents had followed all rules for a year.

The announcement, made minutes into the meeting, sparked widespread frustration among residents, who chanted "Shame! Shame! Shame!" and voiced concerns about the potential impact of additional data centers on water resources, electricity demand, and noise. Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Cmerek clarified that the decision was based on the legal process available under state law, not on the merits of residents' concerns.

Despite the petition's failure to reach the ballot, the City of Taylor is actively developing new regulations for data centers and other digital infrastructure through updates to its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. These proposed standards include environmental protections, water conservation, noise mitigation, and compatibility requirements. Public comments on the proposed regulations are being accepted through July, with city officials anticipating a vote by the Taylor City Council in September.