Texas Attorney General Investigates Data Center Land Deal in Taylor
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into a planned data center in Taylor, Texas. The investigation concerns whether the 87-acre property, previously intended for a public park, was unlawfully sold to a Delaware-based company for data center development. Paxton aims to halt the project if the development is found to be unlawful, amidst broader concerns over data center impacts on electricity, water, and land use.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into a proposed 60-megawatt data center project in Taylor, Texas. The probe centers on allegations that the 87-acre property, which was sold last year to a Delaware-based company for $10 million, was originally designated for public parkland use. In 1999, the land was acquired by the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation for a nominal $10, intended to become a Williamson County Park. Subsequently, it was transferred to the City of Taylor and then to the Taylor Economic Development Corporation before its sale for data center development.
Paxton's office is examining whether the property is subject to a charitable trust or other restrictions that would prohibit its private development. Attorney General Paxton stated that if the planned development is found to be unlawful, he will take action to stop it and ensure accountability for those involved. This investigation emerges amidst increasing statewide scrutiny of data center proliferation in Texas, driven by concerns regarding electricity consumption, water usage, and general land utilization.