Taylor, Texas, City Council to Consider Data Center Moratorium After Resident Petition
The Taylor City Council is set to consider a temporary pause on data center development, following a petition signed by over 1,400 residents. Concerns primarily revolve around water use, quality of life, and the need for stricter zoning rules and environmental studies. While city officials acknowledge the tax revenue from data centers, they are reviewing the proposed ordinance and petition signatures.
The debate over data center growth is intensifying in central Texas, with Taylor City Council scheduled to consider a temporary moratorium on new data center projects. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by over 1,400 residents, who are voicing concerns about excessive water usage, potential impacts on local water supply, noise pollution, and overall quality of life.
The petition advocates for the immediate pausing of new and pending data center developments, the removal of data centers from existing zoning categories, and the establishment of a dedicated "digital infrastructure" zoning district. Additionally, it proposes requiring all future data center projects to undergo a comprehensive public review process and mandates environmental impact studies for facilities within 1,000 feet of residential areas.
While Taylor City officials have highlighted the significant tax revenue that data centers generate for the city and local school district, noting their minimal traffic impact due to low employee numbers, their legal team is actively reviewing the proposed ordinance and verifying the petition's signatures. Public comments on the matter are slated to begin at 6 p.m. at Thursday night's meeting in Taylor.