Keller residents oppose proposed Westlake data center as Gov. Abbott orders statewide audit
Keller residents are opposing a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center in Westlake, Texas, citing environmental, health, and transparency concerns. This local opposition coincides with Governor Greg Abbott's directive for the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT to audit data centers and pause new approvals statewide. The Texas Association of School Boards also weighed in, advocating for early school district involvement in data center discussions.
Keller, Texas residents are vocalizing their opposition to a proposed 1.1 million-square-foot data center complex slated for an empty parcel of land in the neighboring Town of Westlake along U.S. 377 at 13580 Denton Highway. The proposal has sparked concerns among residents, particularly due to its proximity to Ridgeview Elementary and the Marshall Ridge neighborhood. Community members express worries about potential medical and environmental complications, as well as a perceived lack of transparency regarding the project.
Keller Mayor Ross McMullin has actively engaged with residents and Westlake officials, acknowledging that while Keller lacks direct zoning authority over Westlake's project, the city has a responsibility to advocate for its residents. Mayor McMullin met with Westlake Town Manager Wade Carroll to relay concerns and seek solutions. He urged Keller residents to attend Westlake's upcoming Planning and Zoning meeting on August 4.
The local dispute has escalated to a statewide issue, prompting Texas Governor Greg Abbott to issue a directive on August 3. Governor Abbott ordered the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all data centers before any new approvals are granted. This "pause on data centers" is intended to ensure compliance with state requirements and protect Texans' safety and quality of life, according to the Governor. Mayor McMullin welcomed this directive, hoping it would apply to the Westlake project.
Additionally, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), a non-partisan educational association, has issued a position paper stressing the importance of early involvement for school districts in data center development conversations. Kelly Rasti, TASB associate executive director of governmental relations, highlighted both potential positive and negative impacts on school districts, including changes in student enrollment and financial implications for property values and school systems, advocating for collaboration between developers and local school leaders.